Oregon among final five for 4-star S Junior Tu'upo

Since Dan Lanning took over the program, the Oregon Ducks have made a big effort to pull from the South on the recruiting trail. From Texas, Florida, Georgia and everywhere in between, the Ducks have established a recruiting reputation in SEC country.

Alabama might be the state that has treated the Ducks the best, and they are going back to that well once again. Four-star safety Junior Tu'upo listed the Ducks among five finalists on Sunday. The 6-foot-2 defensive back out of Alabaster, Alabama, also named Indiana, Texas, Auburn and Alabama as finalists.

Tu'upo is the No. 24 safety in the nation, per the Rivals Industry Ranking, and his play suggests he could be a rising prospect this fall. As a junior at Thompson High School, Tu'upo made 66 tackles, five for a loss, seven pass-breakups and three interceptions.

Tu'upo has been on Oregon's radar for a while now, and the Ducks appear to be in a decent position to sway him toward the west coast. Tu'upo will be in Eugene for a visit on April 25 for the spring game, and the Ducks have a chance to make a big impression. The Ducks will also kick off Tu'upo's official visit tour on May 29. He'll finish those visits back home at Auburn (June 12) and Alabama (June 19).

Not only was Oregon a draw for Tu'upo as one of the first major programs to extend him an offer, but his Polynesian connection aligns with the program's extensive history with the islands.

“They were one of the first big schools to offer me,” Tu'upo told Rivals' Chad Simmons. “They’ve shown a lot of love to me and my family. It’s far, but it’s a big program and I want to see it. My Polynesian background fits there too, so I’m excited about that visit."

While Tu'upo is expected to take each of his official visits, he could also cut the tour short and decide on the spot if it feels right. That's a big boost for the Ducks as the furthest school from home and the first stop on his schedule.

Oregon has had tremendous success in Alabama lately. The Ducks brought in corner Na'eem Offord and edge rusher in their two most recent recruiting classes. The Ducks have also already secured commitments from four-stars and in the 2027 class. Tu'upo could be the next Alabama star to make the journey out west if the Ducks play their cards right on his upcoming visits.