The five-star defensive end Richard Wesley announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks on Sunday. He’s the No. 18 overall prospect in the 2026 ESPN 300 class.
Wesley is a game-changer on the field, and his pledge seemed like a massive win for coach Dan Lanning and his staff. But a few hours ago, a statement from his father, Jonathan, threw a wrench into the narrative, leaving many wondering if this commitment is as solid as it seems.
Richard, a standout at Sierra Canyon High School in California, has been a name to watch for years. After reclassifying from the 2027 class to 2026, he’s already proven himself as one of the top defensive ends in the country.
His freshman year stats in 2023 alone, 55 tackles and 10 sacks, speak volumes about his potential to dominate at the next level. Oregon beat out heavy hitters like USC to land him, but his father’s recent comments have cast doubt on whether Eugene will be his son’s final destination.
Richard Wesley to Oregon? His Dad’s Comment Suggests It’s Far From Over
Just a day after Richard’s commitment, Rivals published a quote from his father that raised eyebrows across college football.
“We don’t have anything set in stone with Oregon as far as the full package,” Jonathan said.
The plot thickens for 5 ⭐️ Richard Wesley 👀 pic.twitter.com/eBDbD8l1Fr
— Rivals (@Rivals) May 12, 2025
He clarified that while the family likes Oregon, there’s still “fine-tuning” before they’re fully locked in. For a program like Oregon, which has been building momentum under Lanning, this kind of uncertainty from a top recruit’s family is a red flag.
What exactly does “fine-tuning” mean in this context? Jonathan’s comments suggest that Oregon’s financial or developmental package might not meet the family’s expectations.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a commitment come with a disclaimer, but the timing here is telling. Richard’s visit to Eugene for his commitment was reportedly the first time he’d traveled there without his father or close family members.
KEEP READING: Insider Drops Hint That Oregon’s Depth Chart Could See a Major Shake-Up in the Upcoming Season
That detail, paired with Jonathan’s statement, hints at a possible disconnect between Richard’s decision and his family’s long-term vision for his future. Whatever the case, Jonathan’s statement makes it clear that Oregon has work to do if it wants to keep Richard.
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