### Oregon Ducks Lose 5-Star EDGE Richard Wesley: A Shocking Turn in Recruitment The Oregon Ducks have experienced a significant setback in their recruiting efforts with the decommitment of five-star EDGE Richard Wesley. Initially committed on May 10, 2025, Wesley's decision to open up his recruitment just 17 days later has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. This development comes after a period of optimism for the Ducks, who recently secured a top-ranked recruiting class for 2025. The loss of Wesley, a highly touted prospect from Sierra Canyon High School, is particularly impactful given his status as the No. 1 EDGE and a top-10 recruit nationally in the 2026 class [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/report-5-star-edge-richard-033121358.html, https://www.si.com/college/oregon/football/oregon-ducks-lose-commitment-5-star-richard-wesley-2026-recruiting-class-dan-lanning-texas-longhorns-ohio-state]. ### Breakdown of the Situation: Key Segments 1. **Commitment and Decommitment Timeline** - Richard Wesley committed to Oregon on May 10, 2025, following a viral moment with head coach Dan Lanning where they jumped into a pool together [https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/oregon-coach-jumped-pool-5-star-recruit-decommits-17-days-later-rcna88212]. - Just 17 days later, on May 28, 2025, he announced his decommitment, indicating he would explore other options, including visits to Texas and Ohio State [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/nations_no_1_edge_decommits_from_oregon_after_viral_video_with_dan_lanning/s1_17615_42252330]. 2. **Impact on Oregon's Recruiting Strategy** - The Ducks had been riding high on a successful recruiting cycle, having secured the No. 2 overall class for 2025 [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/oregon_ducks_face_another_shocking_blow_on_recruiting_trail_as_dan_lanning_and_his_staff_lose_another_elite_playmaker_commit/s1_17313_42252485]. - Losing Wesley is a blow to their momentum, especially as he was seen as a cornerstone for the 2026 class [https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/high-school-sports/news-stop-letting-18-year-old-you-fans-react-fun-interaction-dan-lanning-richard-wesley-resurfaces-following-oregon-decomittment]. 3. **Future Prospects for Wesley** - Wesley is expected to take official visits to Texas and Ohio State, which are strong contenders for his commitment moving forward [https://www.si.com/college/oregon/football/oregon-ducks-lose-commitment-5-star-richard-wesley-2026-recruiting-class-dan-lanning-texas-longhorns-ohio-state]. - His recruitment remains open, and he holds 24 offers, indicating a wide array of options for his collegiate future [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/nations_no_1_edge_decommits_from_oregon_after_viral_video_with_dan_lanning/s1_17615_42252330]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Wesley's Performance Metrics:** - In his sophomore year, Wesley recorded: - **44 tackles** (16 for loss) - **9 sacks** - **3 forced fumbles** [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/nations_no_1_edge_decommits_from_oregon_after_viral_video_with_dan_lanning/s1_17615_42252330]. - **Recruiting Rankings:** - Wesley is ranked as: - **No. 1 EDGE** in the 2026 class - **No. 3 player** in California - **No. 9 overall recruit** nationally [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/nations_no_1_edge_decommits_from_oregon_after_viral_video_with_dan_lanning/s1_17615_42252330]. ### Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Oregon and Wesley **In summary, the decommitment of Richard Wesley represents a significant challenge for the Oregon Ducks as they navigate the competitive landscape of college football recruiting.** 1. **Timeline of Events:** - Wesley's commitment on May 10, 2025, followed by his decommitment on May 28, 2025. 2. **Impact on Oregon:** - The Ducks face a setback in their recruiting strategy, losing a key player from their 2026 class. 3. **Wesley's Future:** - He is exploring other options, with Texas and Ohio State emerging as potential destinations. The Ducks will need to regroup and refocus their recruiting efforts to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming seasons [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/oregon_ducks_face_another_shocking_blow_on_recruiting_trail_as_dan_lanning_and_his_staff_lose_another_elite_playmaker_commit/s1_17313_42252485, https://www.si.com/college/oregon/football/oregon-ducks-lose-commitment-5-star-richard-wesley-2026-recruiting-class-dan_lanning-texas-longhorns-ohio-state].