Oregon coach Dan Lanning performs cannonball after 5-star DE decides college football future
Five-star defensive end Richard Wesley made headlines by announcing his college decision in an unconventional manner, using a swimming pool to celebrate with Oregon coach Dan Lanning. Wesley, who reclassified from the class of 2027 to 2026, committed to the Oregon Ducks, citing the impressive performance of his future teammates during a spring game as a decisive factor. Despite having other prestigious options, including the defending national champion Ohio State, Wesley felt confident in his choice due to the robust recruiting efforts and the defensive track record of Oregon, led by coach Lanning. The Ducks are currently ranked No. 15 nationally for the class of 2026, and Wesley's commitment is expected to strengthen their roster. The celebration underscores Oregon's commitment to remaining competitive at the top of the Big Ten and among the nation's elite teams.
Context:
Five-star defensive end Richard Wesley made headlines by announcing his college decision in an unconventional manner, using a swimming pool to celebrate with Oregon coach Dan Lanning. Wesley, who reclassified from the class of 2027 to 2026, committed to the Oregon Ducks, citing the impressive performance of his future teammates during a spring game as a decisive factor. Despite having other prestigious options, including the defending national champion Ohio State, Wesley felt confident in his choice due to the robust recruiting efforts and the defensive track record of Oregon, led by coach Lanning. The Ducks are currently ranked No. 15 nationally for the class of 2026, and Wesley's commitment is expected to strengthen their roster. The celebration underscores Oregon's commitment to remaining competitive at the top of the Big Ten and among the nation's elite teams.
Dive Deeper:
Richard Wesley, a five-star defensive end from Los Angeles, reclassified from the class of 2027 to 2026, which allowed him to commit earlier to a college program. He chose to announce his commitment to the Oregon Ducks in a unique way, celebrating alongside head coach Dan Lanning by diving into a swimming pool.
Wesley's decision was significantly influenced by the performance of Oregon's players during their spring game, particularly the standout efforts of the defensive ends, which reassured him of the team's strength and his potential role in it.
Despite having offers from other top-tier programs, including Ohio State, Wesley was drawn to Oregon due to their persistent recruiting efforts and the strong defensive reputation under coach Lanning's leadership.
The Oregon Ducks, who are ranked No. 15 for the 2026 recruiting class according to 247Sports, are focused on maintaining their competitive edge in the Big Ten, and Wesley's commitment is a significant boost to their future prospects.
Wesley's commitment was celebrated in a light-hearted manner, symbolizing the excitement and anticipation for his future contributions to the team, as Oregon continues to build its status among the nation's elite college football programs.
There are college football commitment videos, and then there's the case of five-star defensive end Richard Wesley.
Wesley reclassified from 2027 to 2026; his gamble (or leap) might have just paid off.
Late Saturday night, Wesley, a Los Angeles, Calif., product, took a different approach to announce his pledge: with his new coach, the help of a swimming pool.
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 Yes, a swimming pool.
Coach Dan Lanning sat beside Wesley, and as Wesley smiled ear-to-ear, both men did respective dives in jubilation as the Oregon Ducks sit at No. 15 in the nation for the Class of 2026, according to 247Sports.
Wesley said the spring game, specifically the performance of some of his future teammates, sealed the deal.
"Watching their spring game, I finally watched the work they've been putting in," Wesley told 247Sports.. "It was really great seeing it translate on the field. Some players had a big game — all the defensive ends were eating. It was great to see my position group scale up."
Although Wesley had other suitable choices, including defending national champion Ohio State, the 6-foot-4, 255-pounder was comfortable with his decision after a smooth recruiting process.
"Oregon recruits me harder than everybody else. They always preach that they've got coach Lanning," Wesley added. "They have let me know the Oregon track record. They don't have to say much; the proof is out with them defensively."
The Sierra Canyon product still has time to develop before arriving in Eugene. Nevertheless, the Ducks are doing anything but slowing down in their quest to continue to maintain their status near the top of the Big Ten amongst the nation's elite.
Sometimes, a little splash is all it takes.