Oregon feels UNDER THE RADAR but shouldn't be
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Washington Post
16 minutes ago
- Washington Post
U.S. swimmers hear the criticism, even as they finish on top at worlds
It was the middle of the night in Singapore, Friday giving way to Saturday, when the caustic Instagram story began making its way around the American swim community. For the bulk of the athletes representing Team USA at the world swimming championships, the haunting image would be awaiting them on their phones on the morning of the meet's penultimate day:
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Remaining recruiting needs, flip targets and what's next for Oregon Ducks in 2026 class
It's been quite a summer for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks when it comes to the recruiting world. Just over 50 days ago, the Ducks had the No. 42 class in the nation after suffering a number of commitment flips and decommitments. What they did from there, though, will be remembered by fans for a long time. Quite simply put, it was the "Summer of Dan." Over the last two months, Oregon got hot. They added four 5-stars and four 4-star players, jumping all the way up to No. 7 in the national rankings. The last week in particular has been quite impressive, with 5-star EDGE Anthony 'Tank' Jones and 5-star CB Davon Benjamin both joining the flock. With those two now in the fold, it offers a regrouping time for the Ducks will fall camp underway. The major names on Oregon's recruiting board are locked up, and for the most part, the 2026 class is set in Eugene. There will undoubtedly be some "flip" targets and new prospects who reveal themselves over the coming months, but if the Ducks go into National Signing Day with this class intact, nobody would be disappointed. At this juncture in the recruiting schedule, though, let's take a quick look at where things stand and where things might go from here in Eugene before NSD in early December. Where the Oregon Ducks' 2026 Class Currently Stands National Ranking per 247Sports: No. 7 National Ranking per On3/Rivals: No. 3 Average Rating per Commitment: 94.39 (1st nationally) 5-star Commits: 5 (tied 1st nationally) With the additions of Tank Jones and Davon Benjamin this past week, Oregon jumped back into the top 10 of the national rankings. It also secured their fourth and fifth 5-star commits, tying the Alabama Crimson Tide for the most in the nation, while also marking the most 5-star recruits that Oregon has ever had in a single class. Remaining Oregon Ducks Recruiting Needs Looking down Oregon's recruiting board for the 2026 class, there are a few areas where they could still stand to improve. Before we get there, though, let's look at where they have things covered: Going forward, there are two areas of real need, with one position that another player could fill. The two areas of major need are on the interior defensive line and at the linebacker position. Each position has just one player in this class so far, and a year ago, the Ducks took zero interior defensive linemen and just one linebacker in the 2025 class. Getting two more recruits, one at each position in this class, would be beneficial for the Ducks. You could also argue that Oregon could stand to add another cornerback, but considering that they took three top-100 players at the position last cycle, it's not as pressing a need. Uncommitted Oregon Ducks Targets in 2026 At this point, many of the top-rated targets are off the board in the 2026 class. However, this is one player remaining that Oregon hopes to sign, but it would require a reclassification. There has been some smoke around 2027 5-star defensive lineman Jalen Brewster reclassifying to the 2026 class. Brewster stands at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, and is rated as the No. 8 overall player and No. 1 DL in the nation. Brewster has been high on the Ducks, and could fill a significant need if he were to reclassify and join Oregon's 2026 class. This is the primary target for the Ducks to watch over the next couple of months. Flip Targets for Oregon Ducks in 2026 What to Expect by National Signing Day If we've learned anything over the past three recruiting cycles under Dan Lanning, it's to expect some fireworks in early December. While the Ducks' 2026 recruiting class is already among the best in the nation, and features more quality than any other team, don't expect Lanning and his staff to be satisfied. There are a handful of blue-chip players that they narrowly missed out on earlier this summer, but that doesn't mean they have given up. I wouldn't be shocked to see a high-end 4-star or 5-star player flip to Oregon before all is said and done. Right now, the Ducks have 17 commitments in this class. By the time everyone signs, I think it's fair to expect somewhere between 18-21. Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Former Iowa football running back accepts new coaching position
When players go through the Iowa football system, they become so much more knowledgeable of the game and can think football at a higher level than others. That's a big reason why so many Hawkeyes find their way into the NFL and usually stick around longer than some may expect. But for those who weren't able to make it to the league, that knowledge doesn't evaporate. Some players use it to be involved with the game in a different aspect: coaching. And this former Iowa football running back is the next in a great line of Hawkeyes turned into coaches. Bemidji State University football announced on X that it had hired former Hawkeye running back Ivory Kelly-Martin to be its running backs coach for the 2025 season. Bemidji State is a Division II school located in Bemidji, Minnesota. They compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Kelly-Martin played at Iowa from 2017-2021, appearing in 44 games. He had 181 carries for 804 yards and six rushing touchdowns in those 44 games. He spent a lot of time backing up Tyler Goodson and providing valuable snaps. While he wasn't a star at Iowa, Kelly-Martin was well respected by his teammates and coaching staff and was a true steward of the game. That was evident with his inclusion on the 2021 Players Council. Before accepting this position with Bemidji State, Kelly-Martin was a graduate assistant running backs coach at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. With his Master's in Business Administration all finished up, he can now start his coaching career with the Bemidji State Beavers. Hawkeye fans wish Kelly-Martin the best of luck as the next chapter of his life begins. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
