Oregon Ducks in Contention for Top Safety Recruit Myles Baker
The Oregon Ducks are firmly in the mix for highly sought-after four-star safety recruit Myles Baker, a key prospect in the class of 2027. Facing competition from college football powerhouses like Ohio State, Alabama, and LSU, the Ducks will need to navigate a complex recruitment landscape to secure Baker’s commitment.
The pursuit of Baker, who hails from Chatsworth, California, represents a significant opportunity for Oregon to bolster its defensive secondary. Baker has narrowed his college choices to eight schools: Oregon Ducks, Alabama Crimson Tide, LSU Tigers, Arizona State Sun Devils, Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes, Ole Miss Rebels, and Texas A&M Aggies.
According to Baker, several programs are prioritizing his recruitment. “I would say the schools that are recruiting me the hardest right now are Michigan, Oregon, LSU, Bama, and Ole Miss,” he shared with On3. He also acknowledged the recent coaching changes across the collegiate landscape, noting he is currently evaluating those shifts.
USC’s Absence and the California Recruiting Battle
Interestingly, the USC Trojans, under coach Lincoln Riley, did not make Baker’s final eight. Despite prioritizing recruiting within California, USC’s absence highlights the competitive nature of elite recruitment. While Baker’s interest in USC remains uncertain, the Trojans remain a potential threat given their focus on local talent.
Lupoi’s Departure Adds Complexity
A potentially significant development impacting Baker’s decision is the recent departure of Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. On Thursday, December 26, 2024, Lupoi accepted the head coaching position at the California Golden Bears. Lupoi’s defensive schemes have been instrumental in Oregon’s success since his arrival in 2022, and the 2025 unit is projected to be his strongest yet. The impact of this coaching change on Baker’s recruitment remains to be seen.
Timeline and Sierra Canyon Connection
Baker intends to make his college decision in the spring of 2026, prior to the start of his senior season at Sierra Canyon High School, a renowned football program in Southern California. The Ducks, however, did not secure any recruits from Sierra Canyon in the class of 2026, raising the question of whether Baker will be the first from the powerhouse program to commit to Oregon in the 2027 class.
Player Profile and Oregon’s Recruiting Momentum
Myles Baker is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound safety currently ranked as the No. 25 safety in the 2027 class by 247Sports. A dual-athlete, Baker also competes in basketball during the winter months. The Ducks currently boast the No. 3 ranked 2026 recruiting class, largely due to an early and aggressive approach by head coach Dan Lanning and his staff. An early commitment from Baker could provide a significant boost to Oregon’s recruiting efforts for the 2027 class.
