Brandon Lockhart, nation's No. 1 cornerback, says Oregon Ducks are 'main contender' and feel like 'extended family'
The Oregon Ducks experienced a big weekend on and off the field last week, beating then-No. 19 Colorado 42-6 and impressing a key collection of recruits who were on campus.
That effort has already led to the commitment of class of 2026 Desert Mountain (Arizona) five-star defensive lineman Tony Cumberland.
But he was far from the only player who moved the Ducks up his list.
Loyola (California) five-star defensive back Brandon Lockhart, the nation's No. 10 overall prospect and No. 1 cornerback in 2026, made a second trip to Eugene over the weekend.
This time, however, both parents attended the trip, and it couldn't have gone better.
"Instead of just my dad and I, this time, my mom came, too," he said. "Now, she sees why they're a main contender for my commitment. The thing I love most is the love the entire staff shows me and my family. Yes, I love the uniforms and stadium, but feeling like they're extended family is what stands out most."
That bond has come through connections to multiple members of the coaching staff.
"Long conversations about family and football with coach Tosh (Lupoi), coach Meat [Demetrice Martin], and coach (Rashad) Wadood lets me know it's not just football with them. Even coach Dan Lanning sat and talked with me and my parents after the win. It was very unexpected, but it really meant a lot."
Through those conversations, one important aspect has remained absent - and that's a good thing.
Pressure.
Oregon hasn't applied any, and has made it clear to Lockhart that they don't intend to.
"They've let me know where I stand as a top prospect, but also aren't pressuring me... just letting me enjoy the process," he said.
It's a little detail that means a lot.
I love that approach," Lockhart said. "This process is going to be emotionally draining, so knowing they have a spot for me when I'm ready is everything."
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