Oregon’s monumental 32-31 win over Ohio State has done more than elevate the Ducks to No. 2 in the AP Poll—it’s already paying off in the recruiting world. The high-profile victory sent shockwaves through college football, and Oregon is starting to see the results trickle in with significant commitments for its 2026 class.
One of the biggest recruiting wins came when the Ducks secured a commitment from 4-star defensive lineman Tomuhini Topui from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 325 lbs as a junior, Topui brings considerable size and strength to Oregon’s defensive front, adding depth to a key position group. Oregon’s connection with Mater Dei, one of the nation’s top high school football programs, continues to bear fruit.
BREAKING: Four-Star DL Tomuhini Topui (2026) has Committed to Oregon, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’3 325 DL from Santa Ana, CA chose the Ducks over Oklahoma & USC
“The Grass is Greener in Eugene.”https://t.co/grhD3fWzQa pic.twitter.com/YvK0fCriKJ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 13, 2024
In another recruiting victory, Oregon flipped 3-star defensive lineman Viliami Moala, who had previously committed to USC. Moala’s decision to join the Ducks adds to an already impressive haul on the defensive line, strengthening Oregon’s front as they prepare for life in the Big Ten Conference.
These additions bring the total to three defensive linemen in Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class, joining 4-star recruit Tony Cumberland, who committed last month. Though National Signing Day for this class is still a ways off, Oregon’s early recruiting success has placed them atop the 2026 class rankings, particularly due to their dominance in recruiting top-tier defensive linemen.
Maybe the writing was on the wall.
New #Oregon DL commits Viliami Moala (left) and Tomuhini Topui (middle), along with Tony Cumberland, who’s throwing an O. https://t.co/0GUif4CY25 pic.twitter.com/2CGzVC12OK
— Max Torres (@mtorressports) October 14, 2024
Oregon’s recruiting momentum doesn’t stop there. The victory over Ohio State could play a pivotal role in the decision-making process of 2025’s top remaining prospect, defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. Stewart, who recently reclassified from the 2026 class, was in attendance for the game. With other top programs like Ohio State, LSU, and USC in the mix for his commitment, Oregon’s stunning win could help them land one of the most coveted players in the country.
As the Ducks continue to capitalize on their success, their recruiting prowess is positioning them to build one of the most formidable defensive lines in college football for years to come.
