Oregon Ducks Land Stunning Commitment from Five-Star CB Na’eem Offord
In a jaw-dropping move that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, the Oregon Ducks pulled off one of the biggest flips of the early signing period. Five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord, who had been committed to Ohio State since February, announced his commitment to Oregon on Wednesday afternoon. The nation’s top-ranked defender and No. 4 overall player in the ESPN 300 made his decision official during a ceremony at A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama.
Offord’s flip is a massive win for Oregon, as the Ducks continue to build a powerhouse recruiting class for 2025. The 6-foot-2 defensive back had been the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2025 class, holding that title since February 4. However, his recruitment took several twists and turns throughout the fall, with both Oregon and Auburn emerging as serious contenders. Despite frequent visits to Auburn — including one as recently as November 23 — Offord ultimately chose the Ducks, stunning the Buckeyes and Tigers alike.
Oregon’s 2025 Class Gets Even Stronger
With Offord’s commitment, Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. He becomes the second-highest-ranked player in the Ducks’ class, trailing only five-star wide receiver Darkorien Moore, who is ranked No. 3 in the ESPN 300. Moore signed with Oregon earlier on Wednesday, making it a banner day for the program. Offord also joins quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who flipped from Cal and is ranked as the No. 18 pocket passer, as another key addition during the early signing period.
Here’s a quick look at the top-ranked players in Oregon’s 2025 class so far:
- Darkorien Moore – Five-star wide receiver, No. 3 in the ESPN 300
- Na’eem Offord – Five-star cornerback, No. 4 in the ESPN 300
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele – Four-star quarterback, No. 18 pocket passer
Offord’s addition also bolsters Oregon’s defensive recruiting efforts. The Ducks now have commitments from five ESPN 300 defenders, including:
- Trey McNutt – Four-star safety, No. 40 in the ESPN 300
- Dorian Brew – Four-star cornerback, No. 53 in the ESPN 300
- Nasir Wyatt – Four-star linebacker, No. 88 in the ESPN 300
- Gavin Nix – Four-star linebacker, No. 209 in the ESPN 300
Additionally, four-star athlete Brandon Finney, ranked No. 34 in the ESPN 300, is expected to play cornerback for the Ducks. Oregon’s ability to attract top-tier defensive talent is a testament to the program’s growing reputation under head coach Dan Lanning.
How the Flip Happened
Offord’s recruitment was one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025 cycle. After committing to Ohio State in February, he remained solid with the Buckeyes for much of the year. However, his interest in other programs became apparent as the fall progressed. Offord visited Oregon early in the regular season and returned to Ohio State for a visit in Week 14. Despite these trips, it was Auburn that seemed to pose the biggest threat to Ohio State’s hold on the elite cornerback.
Offord’s frequent visits to Auburn, including one just days before the early signing period, fueled speculation that the Tigers might land his commitment. But Oregon’s persistence paid off in the end, as the Ducks secured his pledge in dramatic fashion on Wednesday. The flip underscores Oregon’s ability to compete with traditional recruiting powerhouses like Ohio State and Auburn for the nation’s top talent.
What’s Next for Oregon?
With Offord now in the fold, Oregon’s 2025 class is shaping up to be one of the best in program history. The Ducks have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail, and their ability to land elite talent like Offord and Moore is a clear sign of their upward trajectory. As the early signing period continues, all eyes will be on Oregon to see if they can add even more firepower to an already loaded class.
For Ohio State, losing Offord is undoubtedly a tough blow. The Buckeyes have long been known for their ability to recruit top-tier defensive backs, and Offord was expected to be a cornerstone of their 2025 class. However, the Buckeyes remain a recruiting powerhouse and will likely bounce back with other high-profile commitments in the coming months.
As for Offord, his decision to join Oregon sets the stage for what could be a stellar college career. With his size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, he has all the tools to become a star in the Ducks’ secondary. For now, though, Oregon fans can celebrate a massive recruiting win that could have a lasting impact on the program’s future.
Originally Written by: Tom VanHaaren
