Oregon Ducks’ Five-Star Recruit Anthony Jones Faces Potential Flip
The Oregon Ducks are facing uncertainty regarding their highly sought-after recruit, five-star edge rusher Anthony Jones. After a strong summer recruiting period that elevated the Ducks to the No. 7 class in the 2026 cycle, questions have arisen about Jones’ commitment. He originally pledged to Oregon on July 31, 2023, but recent developments suggest he may be exploring other options.
According to Chad Simmons of Rivals, Jones remains officially committed to Oregon, yet his recruitment is ongoing. Simmons noted, “Anthony Jones remains committed to Oregon, but his recruitment is far from over. Alabama was once considered Oregon’s top competition; Miami has now taken that spot.” He added that NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) considerations are expected to play a significant role in Jones’ final decision. While flipping Jones may prove challenging, he has not completely closed the door on other possibilities.
Ranked as the No. 4 edge rusher and No. 20 player in the country by 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Jones is a critical component of the Ducks’ 2026 recruiting efforts. His decision to choose Oregon over programs like Texas A&M and Alabama underscores his importance to the team’s future. Jones is among four defensive linemen currently committed to the Ducks, alongside three-star edge rusher Dutch Horisk, four-star defensive lineman Tony Cumberland, and four-star defensive lineman Prince Tavizon.
Jones has already begun exploring other options. He attended Miami’s season-opening victory against Notre Dame on August 31, 2023, and plans to visit Texas A&M for their upcoming game against Auburn. Prior to his commitment to Oregon, he visited several schools, including Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Miami, indicating that these programs will continue to pursue him aggressively.
If Jones ultimately decides to flip to another institution, the Ducks’ defensive line class would certainly experience a setback. Nevertheless, it would not completely undermine their recruiting strategy. Cumberland, for example, ranks as the No. 9 defensive lineman and No. 88 player nationally, and has been committed to Oregon since 2023. Tavizon, who shifted from the 2027 recruiting cycle to 2026, is currently ranked as the No. 24 defensive lineman and No. 286 overall. Horisk, the only three-star recruit in the Ducks’ defensive line class, has been committed since 2024 and is positioned as the No. 61 edge rusher in the country.
As the Oregon Ducks navigate the complexities of recruiting, the situation surrounding Anthony Jones will be closely monitored. His next moves could significantly influence the composition of the team as they prepare for the upcoming season and beyond.
