There are college football commitment videos, and then there’s the case of five-star defensive end Richard Wesley.
Wesley reclassified from 2027 to 2026; his gamble (or leap) might have just paid off.
Late Saturday night, Wesley, a Los Angeles, Calif., product, took a different approach to announce his pledge: with his new coach, the help of a swimming pool.
Elite 2026 EDGE Richard Wesley and Oregon HC Dan Lanning celebrate the big commitment🦆https://t.co/Bpa7430zkW pic.twitter.com/qi2pcBu4hC
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 11, 2025
Yes, a swimming pool.
Coach Dan Lanning sat beside Wesley, and as Wesley smiled ear-to-ear, both men did respective dives in jubilation as the Oregon Ducks sit at No. 15 in the nation for the Class of 2026, according to 247Sports.
Wesley said the spring game, specifically the performance of some of his future teammates, sealed the deal.
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“Watching their spring game, I finally watched the work they’ve been putting in,” Wesley told 247Sports.. “It was really great seeing it translate on the field. Some players had a big game — all the defensive ends were eating. It was great to see my position group scale up.”
Although Wesley had other suitable choices, including defending national champion Ohio State, the 6-foot-4, 255-pounder was comfortable with his decision after a smooth recruiting process.
“Oregon recruits me harder than everybody else. They always preach that they’ve got coach Lanning,” Wesley added. “They have let me know the Oregon track record. They don’t have to say much; the proof is out with them defensively.”
The Sierra Canyon product still has time to develop before arriving in Eugene. Nevertheless, the Ducks are doing anything but slowing down in their quest to continue to maintain their status near the top of the Big Ten amongst the nation’s elite.
Sometimes, a little splash is all it takes.