- Akili Smith Jr revealed on Wednesday that he will participate in the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles later this year, a camp that features the nation's top high school passers and celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer.
Smith Jr., son of Oregon football legend Akili Smith, has been committed to the Ducks since July 2023. Rated by Rivals as the No. 7 pro-style quarterback and the No. 109 overall player in the nation, Smith Jr. is expected to showcase his talents among the best of his peers.
He will be joined at the Elite 11 Finals by other elite quarterback recruits, including Texas A&M commit Husan Longstreet and Nebraska commit TJ Lateef, among others. This event will provide Smith Jr. and his fellow attendees an opportunity to cement their status as top prospects in the country.
- Oregon is also set to have 2026 QB Jaden O’Neal later this summer at the Saturday Night Live event in Eugene. One of the top pure passers in the 2026 class, Jaden O'Neal has made significant strides over the past year, standing out at multiple off-season events, including the Elite 11 Regional Camp and Under Armour Next Camp in March. Known for his strong arm, O'Neal is considered the most accurate deep ball thrower on the West Coast, regardless of class.
This off-season, O'Neal has shed nearly 10 pounds, enhancing his mobility in and out of the pocket. He possesses a prototype throwing motion with a clean release, and the ball jumps out of his hand. He is accurate at all three levels of the field and performs well on the run. Improvements in escapability and play extension in a pressured pocket are areas to watch.
In 2023, O'Neal threw for 2,475 yards and 27 touchdowns, with a 61 percent completion rate over 11 games as a sophomore at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California. He transferred to Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, during the off-season. O'Neal's raw talent gives him the potential to play for any Power 4 program.
- A name that has flown under the radar for Oregon recruiting is Hayden Lowe. Lowe – who attends the same high school as former Duck Kayvon Thibodeaux and considers him to be a mentor – is rated as the No. 10 defensive end and No. 211 overall player in the nation.
Lowe is one of the top edge rushers in the 2025 class, showing significant long-term potential. Standing at a prototypical 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Lowe is easy to project as a future standout. His long arms and athleticism allow him to play various positions along the defensive line, and he has the frame to add another 20-25 pounds without sacrificing agility.
A naturally strong player, Lowe excels at taking on double teams and advancing upfield. He is equally effective against the run and in rushing the quarterback, demonstrating a strong edge in his game. His explosive first step and ability to dip and turn the corner enable him to beat most tackles with ease.
Lowe has been to Eugene on an unofficial visit and has a strong relationship with a lot of the staff. He will return on June 7 for an official visit.
Smith Jr., son of Oregon football legend Akili Smith, has been committed to the Ducks since July 2023. Rated by Rivals as the No. 7 pro-style quarterback and the No. 109 overall player in the nation, Smith Jr. is expected to showcase his talents among the best of his peers.
He will be joined at the Elite 11 Finals by other elite quarterback recruits, including Texas A&M commit Husan Longstreet and Nebraska commit TJ Lateef, among others. This event will provide Smith Jr. and his fellow attendees an opportunity to cement their status as top prospects in the country.
- Oregon is also set to have 2026 QB Jaden O’Neal later this summer at the Saturday Night Live event in Eugene. One of the top pure passers in the 2026 class, Jaden O'Neal has made significant strides over the past year, standing out at multiple off-season events, including the Elite 11 Regional Camp and Under Armour Next Camp in March. Known for his strong arm, O'Neal is considered the most accurate deep ball thrower on the West Coast, regardless of class.
This off-season, O'Neal has shed nearly 10 pounds, enhancing his mobility in and out of the pocket. He possesses a prototype throwing motion with a clean release, and the ball jumps out of his hand. He is accurate at all three levels of the field and performs well on the run. Improvements in escapability and play extension in a pressured pocket are areas to watch.
In 2023, O'Neal threw for 2,475 yards and 27 touchdowns, with a 61 percent completion rate over 11 games as a sophomore at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California. He transferred to Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, during the off-season. O'Neal's raw talent gives him the potential to play for any Power 4 program.
- A name that has flown under the radar for Oregon recruiting is Hayden Lowe. Lowe – who attends the same high school as former Duck Kayvon Thibodeaux and considers him to be a mentor – is rated as the No. 10 defensive end and No. 211 overall player in the nation.
Lowe is one of the top edge rushers in the 2025 class, showing significant long-term potential. Standing at a prototypical 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Lowe is easy to project as a future standout. His long arms and athleticism allow him to play various positions along the defensive line, and he has the frame to add another 20-25 pounds without sacrificing agility.
A naturally strong player, Lowe excels at taking on double teams and advancing upfield. He is equally effective against the run and in rushing the quarterback, demonstrating a strong edge in his game. His explosive first step and ability to dip and turn the corner enable him to beat most tackles with ease.
Lowe has been to Eugene on an unofficial visit and has a strong relationship with a lot of the staff. He will return on June 7 for an official visit.
