EUGENE - The Oregon Ducks have arguably never been hotter on the recruiting trail. Coach Dan Lanning and his staff have secured three straight top-five recruiting classes, elevating Oregon into the sport’s elite.

There was a time when landing a five-star recruit was front-page news for Oregon. Now, elite talent has become a defining part of the program. The Ducks’ sidelines are filled with some of the best prospects in football, to the point where even backup quarterback Dylan Raiola arrived as a former five-star recruit.

Dan Lanning: Why Oregon Ducks Are Thriving In NIL, Transfer Portal Era | oregon ducks on si

There are many reasons to point to Oregon’s rise under Lanning: his transparency, proven player development and a brand that has only expanded since joining the Big Ten Conference.

But there may be an underrated edge behind it all.

Oregon’s Underrated Edge With Recruits

In an era where many programs can promise NIL, facilities and exposure, Oregon’s ability to show a recruit visible proof of…