Oregon HC Dan Lanning is known as one of the sharpest recruiters in CFB. However, lately, things in Eugene haven’t been so smooth. This spring alone, the Ducks have taken some big hits. They missed out on 5-star QB Jared Curtis and elite OT Jackson Cantwell—two prospects once seen as near locks for Oregon. And now? Trouble’s brewing again. A 5-star EDGE who just committed earlier this month is suddenly raising eyebrows. The buzz in Duck country is getting uneasy.

Oregon made waves when five-star EDGE Richard Wesley, out of Sierra Canyon, shocked everyone with a surprise commitment to the Ducks. But just as quickly, his name came off the board. However, there’s a twist. Wesley has announced he still plans to take visits this summer. And now? Texas and Ohio State are circling. Both powerhouse programs could deal a crushing blow to Dan Lanning’s momentum. Simply put, the race for Wesley is far from over, and Oregon might not be in the clear.

On May 27, Oregon insider Max Torres dropped a major update on 5-star EDGE Richard Wesley’s visit plans, re-sharing On3’s Hayes Fawcett’s report. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound powerhouse told Fawcett he’s coming back to Eugene for an official visit the weekend of June 6. But Wesley isn’t stopping there. He’s also scheduled official visits to Texas on June 20, Ohio State on August 30, and Texas A&M—date still to be decided. So, the recruitment battle is heating up, and Wesley’s summer road trip could shake up the whole landscape.

Once considered a done deal and a clear collegiate home for Richard Wesley, Oregon has now turned into a battleground. The biggest red flag? Wesley’s last scheduled visit. When he committed to Oregon on May 10, whispers started swirling. Reports soon emerged that his family didn’t even know about the announcement, and there’s still a lot of “work to do” on the NIL front before signing day. Suddenly, what looked locked in is now clouded with uncertainty, and Oregon’s grip is slipping fast.

But 5-star Richard Wesley gave Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks a massive recruiting win, locking in a statement pledge for the B1G-bound powerhouse. Just before committing, Wesley made it clear to On3—nobody was pushing harder than the Ducks. “They preach Dan Lanning and his background, and the same with Tosh Lupoi. They let me know the Oregon track record, and I have seen that,” said Wesley. Adding, “Since the jump, Oregon has been showing me love. I talk to coaches almost every day, they text me all the time, and they were begging me for the prom pictures Saturday night. I love the feeling there, and I love everything there.”

If Richard Wesley sticks with Oregon, he’ll headline their 2026 class as one of 2 5-stars—joining elite TE Kendre Harrison. The Ducks are already stacking talent, with 8 total commits and a No. 7 national ranking per On3. But now, with official visits on deck, the waters are getting murky. As Wesley lines up trips to Texas, Ohio State, and Texas A&M, the buzz around a possible flip is growing louder. The race isn’t over just yet.

Can the OSU flip 5-Star Oregon EDGE?

The Buckeyes are never done hunting stars—and now, they’ve got their eyes on a big one. Five-star EDGE Richard Wesley may be committed to Oregon, but the door’s still cracked open. Despite pledging to the Ducks, Wesley is still lining up visits, signaling that his recruitment is far from over. With 24 offers in hand, the Sierra Canyon standout holds all the cards. And make no mistake—Ohio State is ready to play.

Wesley is climbing the charts—and fast. He’s rated a four-star by 247Sports individually, but jumps to a 5-star in their composite rankings. That bump puts him as the No. 2 EDGE rusher in the entire 2026 class. Now, Ohio State is stepping into the ring. The Buckeyes are set to host Wesley on an official visit to Columbus, giving Ryan Day and his staff a golden shot to flip the script.

Ohio State has a golden window, and the timing couldn’t be better. Richard Wesley’s official visit to Columbus is locked in for August 30, just as the Buckeyes gear up to host Texas in a Week 1 showdown that’ll light up the CFB world. While OSU missed out on top DE Zion Elee, who committed to Maryland, and leads for Cincere Johnson, there’s still a gap in their 2026 edge rush arsenal. Enter Wesley. Flipping him from Oregon—another B1G contender—would be a monster win for Matt Patricia and the Buckeyes’ defense. Now it’s on OSU to kick it down.

Let’s see where his destiny takes him for his collegiate home.