Oregon Ducks Engaged in Fierce Recruiting Battle for Five-Star EDGE Anthony Who Could Shape the Future of Their Defense
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football recruiting, few positions command as much attention—or as much strategic importance—as the EDGE rusher. These hybrid defenders, often with freakish athleticism and explosive first steps, have become game-wreckers at both the collegiate and professional levels. That’s why, when a generational talent emerges at the position, elite programs across the country scramble to earn his signature. In the 2025 cycle, that talent is five-star EDGE prospect Anthony, and the Oregon Ducks find themselves locked in one of the most intense recruiting battles in the nation.
Anthony, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound edge rusher from the Southeast, has been the talk of scouting departments and recruiting analysts for over a year. With a rare combination of size, speed, and technique, he projects as an instant-impact player—someone who could start Day 1 at the collegiate level and potentially become a top-10 NFL Draft pick in the future. He’s been compared to recent first-rounders like Dallas Turner and Will Anderson Jr., and his highlight reel backs up every bit of the hype.
For the Oregon Ducks, landing Anthony would be more than just adding an elite player to the roster—it would be a statement. Under head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has taken significant strides in elevating its recruiting profile, particularly in the trenches. The Ducks have landed several blue-chip linemen and edge defenders in recent cycles, but securing a prospect like Anthony would solidify Oregon’s status as a national recruiting power—not just a regional heavyweight.
But make no mistake, the competition is fierce. Anthony holds offers from virtually every Power Five powerhouse: Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas, LSU, Florida State, and USC are all in hot pursuit. While each of these programs can offer prestige, NFL development, and national exposure, Oregon is pitching something slightly different—a unique blend of development, opportunity, culture, and vision.
What makes the Ducks such a legitimate contender in this high-stakes recruitment? It starts with Dan Lanning. Known for his defensive acumen and relentless energy on the recruiting trail, Lanning has made edge defenders a cornerstone of his philosophy since arriving in Eugene. As the former defensive coordinator at Georgia, Lanning helped develop a generational defense in Athens, with multiple edge rushers going in the first round of the NFL Draft. He brings that same blueprint to Oregon.
Lanning’s pitch to Anthony, according to sources close to the recruitment, has been centered around opportunity and trust. At Oregon, Anthony wouldn’t just be another cog in the machine—he’d be the guy. The centerpiece of a defense that’s on the rise, playing in a scheme designed to unleash his skill set. Lanning and his staff have reportedly built a strong relationship with Anthony and his family, emphasizing player development, NIL structure, and a clear path to the NFL.
What’s more, Oregon’s performance on the field has backed up the pitch. The Ducks are coming off back-to-back double-digit win seasons and are entering their first year in the Big Ten with real playoff aspirations. Their defense, once viewed as a weakness in the post-Chip Kelly era, has turned a corner under Lanning. With a mix of speed, aggression, and depth, Oregon’s defensive unit now resembles the elite SEC defenses that dominate Saturdays in the South—and that’s by design.
Still, the Ducks face stiff competition. Alabama is pushing hard, with new head coach Kalen DeBoer emphasizing Anthony as a top priority. The Crimson Tide, with their proven track record of developing NFL pass rushers, remain a powerful draw. Georgia, too, is very much in the picture. Kirby Smart’s defense has become the gold standard, and Athens is far closer to Anthony’s home than Eugene, which could be a factor in the final decision.
Ohio State is also making a strong case. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson is one of the most respected position coaches in the country, with a résumé that includes the Bosa brothers and Chase Young. The Buckeyes are selling NFL pedigree, media exposure, and a rabid fan base hungry for a return to dominance.
Texas, meanwhile, offers something different—a rising program with momentum, massive NIL opportunities, and the excitement of competing in the SEC. The Longhorns have made Anthony a top defensive target and are reportedly among the final few programs under consideration.
But what gives Oregon a real chance isn’t just coaching or recent success—it’s alignment. The Ducks have made football the university’s top athletic priority, with strong booster support, cutting-edge facilities, and a forward-thinking approach to NIL. Phil Knight’s continued backing ensures that Oregon remains at the forefront of innovation, branding, and athlete empowerment. For a player like Anthony, who is already a national name, Oregon offers a platform that combines elite football with individual brand growth.
According to recruiting insiders, Anthony has already taken official visits to Alabama, Georgia, and Oregon. The feedback from his Oregon visit was overwhelmingly positive. He reportedly connected well with the coaching staff, current players, and other visiting recruits. The Ducks rolled out the red carpet, showcasing everything from defensive film breakdowns to the long-term player development program. Anthony even sat in on team meetings and position group sessions to get a feel for Lanning’s teaching style.
While the recruitment remains fluid, Oregon is believed to be firmly in the top three. The next few weeks will be critical. Anthony is expected to take a final visit or two before making a decision sometime in August or early September—likely before his high school season begins. For Oregon, maintaining momentum during this stretch is key.
That means constant communication, relationship maintenance, and showing up at key moments. Lanning and his staff have been known to visit top prospects on game nights, conduct Zoom meetings to review film, and send personalized messages that reinforce the player’s importance to the program. With Anthony, they are reportedly going “all in.”
If Oregon lands him, the implications are massive. It would be one of the Ducks’ biggest defensive recruiting wins in program history—on par with landing Kayvon Thibodeaux in the 2019 class. It would also signal to the rest of the Big Ten that Oregon is not just happy to be part of the conference—they’re coming to win it. Adding a generational EDGE talent to a defense that’s already on the rise could be the piece that helps the Ducks take the next step from playoff hopeful to legitimate national title contender.
From a scheme perspective, Anthony fits perfectly into what Lanning wants to do. He’s fast enough to play in space, strong enough to set the edge, and technical enough to rush with multiple moves. In Oregon’s hybrid front, Anthony would line up as a stand-up edge or weak-side end, depending on down and distance. His ability to collapse pockets, chase down mobile quarterbacks, and disrupt timing would be an instant upgrade. With offenses spreading out and going up-tempo more than ever, having a player like Anthony changes the entire dynamic of a defense.
Off the field, Anthony would also be a star. Oregon’s media and brand platforms are unmatched on the West Coast, and with the Big Ten’s new television deals, exposure will only increase. Combine that with NIL opportunities and Lanning’s NFL-centric development plan, and you can see why the Ducks are not just a long shot—but a real threat to pull this off.
That said, nothing is guaranteed. The SEC schools aren’t backing down, and geography still plays a role. Proximity to home, comfort with staff, and family input will all weigh into the final decision. But Oregon has done everything right so far. They identified Anthony early, built a relationship, created a vision, and delivered on the visit.
Now it’s about closing.
With a decision expected in the next month or two, all eyes in Eugene—and across the college football world—are watching closely. For Oregon, the pursuit of Anthony isn’t just about adding a five-star to the roster. It’s about planting a flag. It’s about proving that the Ducks can win elite recruiting battles on a national scale, even in the heart of SEC territory.
And if they pull it off, Anthony could be the edge that sharpens Oregon’s future into a championship blade.
