During Oregon’s first Junior Day weekend, Dan Lanning made a huge recruiting statement. The Ducks landed a legacy commitment that ties directly to one of the most dominant eras of the program’s defense. It’s on the campus where 2027 prospect Sam Ngata announced his commitment to his dream school.

“BREAKING: Four-Star ATH Sam Ngata has Committed to Oregon,” Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett reported on January 24. “The 6’4 215 LB from Salt Lake City, UT chose the Ducks over Cal, Michigan, and BYU.”

“All glory to God, I’m home,” Sam Ngata said. 

Per On3, Sam Ngata is ranked No. 547 nationally, the No. 32 ATH in the country, and No. 6 in Utah. Oregon separated itself during a junior day visit in Eugene this weekend, when the Ducks moved from contender to choice. 

Sam Ngata had been on Oregon’s board for months. And it’s partly to do with family legacy. The Olympus High School standout is the son of Haloti Ngata, one of the most dominant players to ever wear an Oregon uniform from 2002-2005. He was a second-team All-Pac-10 selection in 2004, a first-team pick in 2005, and the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year that same season. 

Haloti Ngata was also a consensus first-team All-American, the Ducks’ first in 43 years, and blocked seven kicks in three seasons. At the program level, he also won Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, named Pro-Bowler five times, and made it to two First-Team All-Pro. The legacy is now extended. But Dan Lanning did not take Sam Ngata because of his last name. They took him because he fits what they are building.

DC Chris Hampton and DL coach Tony Tuioti made him a priority, visiting him at school before bringing him to Eugene. Oregon officially offered Sam Ngata in November during a visit at the end of the season. Dan Lanning delivered the news himself. 

“Coach Lanning walked up to me and said I have some great news for you and told me I had a scholarship offer to play for the Ducks,” he told Rivals’ Greg Biggins. “As a kid, Oregon was my dream school and the only school I even thought of going to. It’s crazy that I can now say that my childhood dream has come true.”

At 6’3.5 and 215 pounds, Sam Ngata already carries ideal size for a modern LB with room to add strength. Oregon values versatility at the position, and he projects as a long, athletic defender capable of growing into a three-down role. He becomes the second commitment in the 2027 class, joining 4-star DL Cam Pritchett. Legacy or not, this commitment fits a pattern of recruiting with purpose and Dan Lanning is not slowing down.

Dan Lanning’s 2027 board shows a program recruiting with precision

Dan Lanning and his staff continue to operate aggressively on the 2027 trail. Their most recent class finished third nationally according to Rivals, highlighted by 5-star OT Immanuel Iheanacho, one of the most advanced linemen in the cycle. That success has carried forward into early evaluations and in-person visits. That miss on No. 1 transfer OT Jordan Seaton hurts though. 

Oregon recently visited Sierra Canyon safety Myles Baker, a 4-star prospect by 247Sports who transferred from Bishop Gorman. Dan Lanning, Terry, and DC Chris Hampton were all present, signaling defensive priority. OT Avery Michael, a 3-star and the No. 60 tackle nationally, also remains firmly on the Ducks’ radar after receiving an offer in December. Competition for his commitment is already intensifying.

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Even committed prospects remain in Oregon’s orbit. DL Elija Harmon, a top-200 recruit committed to Oklahoma, received a visit from Tony Tuioti. That persistence reflects Oregon’s approach. At WR, Dan Lanning is pressing for a breakthrough as 4-star Dakota Guerrant emerged as a serious target. 

Legacy aside, Sam Ngata’s commitment reflects a program recruiting with clarity. Dan Lanning is building early, deliberately, and with confidence. And that’s how great rosters are formed.