Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks stole the top-ranked Alabama recruit from the Crimson Tide for the second straight year.
Oregon Ducks Steal Top Alabama Player from Crimson Tide Again originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning may have a losing record against Kalen DeBoer on the gridiron, but when it comes to the recruiting world, he is undefeated.
On Thursday, it was announced that 5-star edge rusher Anthony 'Tank' Jones was committing to the Ducks, choosing them over the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas A&M Aggies. Jones is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 18 player and No. 4 EDGE in the 2026 class, and the No. 1 ranked player in the state of Alabama.
This is the second-straight season that Lanning and the Ducks have gone into Alabama and gotten a commitment from the No. 1 ranked player. A year ago, they pulled of a stunner on National Signing Day, getting a commitment from 5-star cornerback Na'eem Offord, the No. 13 player and No. 3 CB in the 2025 class.
With the addition of Jones, Oregon's 2026 recruiting class jumped up to No. 7 in the nation, which is still three spots behind the Crimson Tide. However, they've reached that ranking with just 16 commitments.
Still, DeBoer holds the edge over Lanning on the field, with a 3-0 record vs. the Ducks from his time as the head coach for the Washington Huskies. Since DeBoer took over at Alabama, the two teams have not faced each other.
While Oregon has the No. 7 class right now with Jones in the fold, their ranking could rise in the coming days. The likes of 4-star CB Davon Benjamin and 4-star DL Deuce Geralds are expected to announce their commitments on Saturday, August 2, and both are favored to pick the Ducks. Should the duo also join Oregon, their recruiting ranking would rise to No. 6 in the nation.
Related: Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks Predicted to Steal 5-Star Superstar From Alabama Crimson Tide
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
