Oregon Ducks and Head Coach Dan Lanning Secure Another Major Commitment from Elite Prospect
Football thrives on emotion and momentum—and few plays shift momentum more than a drive-killing sack that knocks an opponent out of field goal range.
In recent years, when Oregon needed game-changing edge rushers, they turned to Southern California, landing stars like Matayo Uiagalelei and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
They followed that same script on Saturday night, when head coach Dan Lanning celebrated by ripping off his shirt and diving into a pool after securing a commitment from five-star edge rusher Richard “Richie” Wesley of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 250 pounds, Wesley brings serious impact potential.
Wesley is the type of elite defender who can anchor a dominant defense. His commitment not only boosts Oregon’s defensive future but also sends a signal to other top-tier recruits currently weighing their options.
Elite 2026 EDGE Richard Wesley and Oregon HC Dan Lanning celebrate the big commitment🦆https://t.co/Bpa7430zkW pic.twitter.com/qi2pcBu4hC
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 11, 2025
Wesley’s commitment reinforces that Oregon still has the recruiting muscle to land top-tier talent out of Southern California. It also underscores the Ducks’ dedication to building a fierce, aggressive defense anchored by dominant trench players.
His decision gives Oregon a significant boost in the 2026 team rankings, vaulting them from No. 14 to No. 8. The Ducks now hold the highest average rating per commit in the nation at 4.25.
Wesley made an immediate impact at Sierra Canyon, starting as a 15-year-old freshman and racking up six sacks in his first two games.
It's not a surprise at all that Oregon landed five-star DE Richard Wesley.
The timing was a little bit of a shock as the Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon standout picked the Ducks.@DSAFootball / @Rivals https://t.co/ukDeaKWydr pic.twitter.com/Ssbgnbnm0l
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) May 11, 2025
The 6-foot-4, 250-pound pass rusher chose Oregon over a competitive group that included Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, and USC.
While some Oregon analysts have drawn comparisons between Wesley and former Duck standout Kayvon Thibodeaux, Wesley himself looks up to NFL star Aaron Donald. He brings a similar explosive first step and relentless motor—traits that helped Donald earn the Outland Trophy, the Lombardi Award, and three NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors during his standout nine-year career.
“He’s got a rare blend of quickness and relentless drive that sets him apart as a five-star talent,” said David Schuman of NUC Sports.
Schuman ranks Wesley highly in several key aspects of his game:
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Explosive speed off the edge and powerful rip moves
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Versatility to line up both on the edge and inside
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Excellent field awareness, balance, and an unyielding motor
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