Oregon in the mix for top defensive recruit from Washington

The 2027 recruiting class that the Oregon Ducks have put together so far has been nationwide. The Ducks have 13 commits in their class from 11 different states, including Oregon. However, they haven't added to the flock from up north yet, but that could be changing soon.

Four-star defensive lineman Tevita Nonu unveiled his final five in recruitment on Wednesday, including the Ducks, as he closes in on a decision. Oregon will have to battle Notre Dame, Michigan, Arizona and in-state Washington for the defender from Seattle.

Nonu is the top-rated defensive player from Washington in the 2027 recruiting cycle. He is the No. 216 overall player in the class and No. 23 defensive lineman, per Rivals. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive lineman hopes to play right away, and since Oregon is set to lose four starters up front after the upcoming season, the Ducks are a realistic landing spot.

However, it appears the momentum for Nonu right now is with the Huskies. Rivals recruiting experts Adam Gorney and Brandon Huffman both placed predictions on Washington to keep Nonu in the state.

Nonu told Rivals he expects to decide within the next two weeks. The Ducks don't have an official visit lined up for Nonu yet, but they could make a late push to sway him away from their conference rival.

Oregon hasn't landed a top-five player from Washington since 2025, when they scored three-star offensive lineman Demetri Manning, who has become a depth piece for the Ducks. In 2024, Oregon landed four-star linebacker Brayden Platt and four-star offensive tackle Fox Crader, and both could be big pieces for the Ducks this season.