Five-star offensive lineman Douglas Utu recently made headlines by flipping his commitment from the Tennessee Volunteers to the Oregon Ducks, opting to join Coach Dan Lanning’s squad in Eugene. Utu, a standout recruit from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, cited Oregon’s “family atmosphere” as the key factor behind his decision. His high school teammate, four-star offensive lineman Alai Kalaniuvalu, is also committed to the Ducks, adding another layer of connection to his choice.
Utu, ranked as a five-star recruit by ESPN and Rivals, has become one of the most sought-after offensive line prospects in the 2025 class. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 315 pounds, Utu excels as both a tackle and an interior lineman, offering versatility to Oregon’s offensive line. He has already made a name for himself as a three-year starter at Bishop Gorman, helping lead the team to a 12-0 season and a Nevada 5A state title in 2022.
For Utu, Coach Lanning’s approach was a major draw. He spoke highly of Lanning and his staff, particularly offensive line coach A’Lique Terry, who emphasized transparency and belief in his potential. “From day one, Coach Lanning and Coach Terry made me feel like a priority. They were upfront and genuine about how I fit into the program and made me feel like I’d be part of the Oregon family,” Utu told On3.
This commitment strengthens Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class, which now ranks No. 7 nationally and No. 2 in the Big Ten, according to On3. Utu’s flip is a significant win for the Ducks, especially after Tennessee recently flipped Oregon’s only 2025 tight end commit, DaSaahn Brame. Oregon’s coaching staff continues to work hard on the recruiting trail, targeting other top prospects like 2025 tight end Andre Olesh, currently committed to Michigan.
I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Oregon to further my academic and athletic career. Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, and most importantly the the man above who supported me throughout this journey. Go Ducks! 🦆@BGOLcoach @wilson_utu @AneUtu pic.twitter.com/RHTvkeCb1R
— Douglas Utu (@DouglasUtu56) September 26, 2024
Coach Lanning has been vocal about the challenges of recruiting in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era, where player compensation has shifted the dynamics of college football. “It’s about finding players who still have that chip on their shoulder, that desire to be great,” Lanning said in a summer interview with Colin Cowherd.
With Utu’s commitment, Oregon has secured a key piece of its future offensive line, but the work isn’t done yet as Lanning and his staff continue to bolster their roster and navigate the ever-competitive recruiting landscape.
