College Football Playoff rankings 'not making things easier' on Oregon in critical Big Ten recruiting battle
As the Oregon Ducks continue their undefeated journey throughout the 2024 college football season, they find themselves at the top of the first iteration of the College Football Playoffs rankings.It's not much of a surprise. They've been the No. 1 team in the AP Poll for each of the last three weeks, and have separated […]
As the Oregon Ducks continue their undefeated journey throughout the 2024 college football season, they find themselves at the top of the first iteration of the College Football Playoffs rankings.
It's not much of a surprise. They've been the No. 1 team in the AP Poll for each of the last three weeks, and have separated themselves as the top team in the country.
On the recruiting trail, the top remaining uncommitted 2025 recruit, Jahkeem Stewart, isn't finding any clarity in the new rankings.
Stewart, who has limited his final four teams to Oregon, Ohio State, LSU, and USC, now sees two of his serious suitors right up at the top of the rankings. If competitiveness, the ability to play on the biggest stage, and the ability to compete for national championships is important to Stewart, the Ducks and the Buckeyes have firmly entrenched themselves at the top of the country.
The Ducks have plenty to offer for Stewart, from the facilities, the setting, the brand, competitiveness, coaching — they have a lot going for them. In particular to Stewart, who is a hyper-athletic defensive lineman, Oregon also offers the potential opportunity for immediate playing time.
Whether they see him more as an edge or a three-technique defensive tackle (which is where I think he might profile the best), Oregon's defensive front will likely be losing their two best players in Jordan Burch and Derrick Harmon to the 2025 NFL Draft. Stewart, with his raw athleticism and strength, could immediately be a factor in Dan Lanning's defensive line.
Early playing time matters. Three years after Stewart steps foot on a college campus, he'll be eligible for the NFL draft, and front offices at the next level love players with plenty of playing time and experience. Stewart potentially having the opportunity to be a key contributor on the Oregon defensive front for three seasons would give him plenty of experience and reps to hone his craft to develop into the best player that he can be.
With less than a month to go until the early signing day, Stewart is arguably the biggest name to watch on the 2025 recruiting trail. Oregon could be in line to land his services, or go against him each year in the Big Ten should he sign with Ohio State.
Oregon Ducks making a late push to flip an elite 2025 recruit with one month to go before signing day
Oregon continues their recruiting push.
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp, as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
