Five-Star Tight End Kendre’ Harrison Commits to Oregon, Plans to Play Both Football and Basketball
Oregon Ducks fans, get ready to celebrate! Five-star 2026 tight end Kendre’ Harrison, ranked No. 6 in the ESPN Junior 300, has officially committed to Oregon. The announcement came on Saturday afternoon, making Harrison the eighth and highest-ranked member of the Ducks’ already impressive 2026 recruiting class. This is a huge win for Oregon, and the buzz around this commitment is electric.
Harrison, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound multisport star from Reidsville, North Carolina, isn’t just stopping at football. He also plans to play basketball for the Ducks, joining coach Dana Altman’s 2026 class as the No. 39 overall prospect and No. 8 power forward in the cycle. Talk about a dual-threat athlete! Harrison made his announcement on Instagram during a ceremony at Reidsville High School, where he’s been making waves as a standout player.
A Top Talent with Elite Rankings
Let’s break it down: Harrison is ESPN’s top-ranked tight end prospect in the Junior 300. He’s also the second-ranked skill position player in the Class of 2026, trailing only five-star Ohio State wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr., who holds the No. 1 spot. Harrison’s decision to commit to Oregon came after a whirlwind of campus visits this fall. Ultimately, he chose the Ducks over some heavy-hitting finalists, including Tennessee, North Carolina, Miami, Penn State, and Florida State.
Harrison’s connection to Oregon grew stronger with each visit, including his most recent trip for the Ducks’ Oct. 12 win over Ohio State. He built close relationships with head coach Dan Lanning and tight ends coach Drew Mehringer, which played a pivotal role in his decision. Harrison shared with ESPN that the support he received from the Oregon staff, especially following the recent loss of his grandmother, was a major factor in his commitment.
“The relationship I’ve built with the school is good,” Harrison said. “I trust them. My family trusts them. I’ve been in the recruiting process since I was in the eighth grade. They did the little things in the recruitment that mattered.”
A Versatile Athlete Ready to Shine
Harrison’s athleticism is off the charts. On the football field, his size and playmaking ability make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, especially in the red zone. On the basketball court, he’s a powerful low-post presence who can dominate the paint. After transferring to Charlotte Providence Day School over the summer, Harrison returned to Reidsville High School in September, where he spent the first two years of his high school career. His versatility and talent make him a game-changer in both sports.
Oregon’s 2026 Recruiting Class: A Powerhouse in the Making
With Harrison’s commitment, Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. Here’s a quick look at some of the top players joining him:
- Tradarian Ball: Four-star running back, ranked No. 76 in the Junior 300.
- Jonas Williams: Four-star dual-threat quarterback, ranked No. 140.
- Kodi Greene: Fifth-ranked offensive tackle prospect, ranked No. 33.
- Tomuhuni Topui: Defensive tackle, ranked No. 60.
- Tony Cumberland: Defensive tackle, ranked No. 77.
- Viliami Moala: Defensive tackle, ranked No. 225.
Harrison now stands as the crown jewel of this class, which includes seven total pledges from inside the Junior 300. His addition solidifies Oregon’s reputation as a recruiting powerhouse under coach Dan Lanning.
Basketball Dreams and Dual-Sport Ambitions
Harrison’s basketball journey is just as exciting. Oregon’s men’s basketball program offered him a spot in July after he visited campus during the Ducks’ Saturday Night Live recruiting event. He’s the first member of coach Dana Altman’s 2026 recruiting class, and his presence is sure to make waves on the court.
“I feel like I’m going to be developed there,” Harrison said. “I’ve got two really great coaching staffs. I’m excited and I’m ready to get to work.”
What’s Next for Oregon?
Oregon is already riding high as they approach the start of the three-day early signing period on Wednesday. The Ducks currently boast ESPN’s sixth-ranked recruiting class in the 2025 cycle. On the football field, they’re gearing up to host Washington in their regular-season finale on Saturday night, with a spot in the Dec. 7 Big Ten Championship already locked in. It’s a great time to be a Ducks fan, and Harrison’s commitment only adds to the excitement.
With his talent, versatility, and drive, Kendre’ Harrison is poised to make a huge impact at Oregon. Whether he’s catching touchdowns or grabbing rebounds, one thing is clear: the Ducks just landed a star.
Originally Written by: Craig Haubert
