2026 Four-Star Quarterback Sends Oregon, Alabama Message Amid Recruitment

After an extraordinary season, the Oregon Ducks and Dan Lanning are hot on the recruiting trail to help fill holes not only for next year, but the foreseeable future as well.

The Ducks surprised many by running the table in the regular season and finished undefeated heading into the College Football Playoff, where they were awarded the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.

One thing that's been consistent over the years regarding Oregon's top teams has been the quarterback play.

2026 four-star quarterback sends Oregon message

Dillon Gabriel was just the latest Ducks quarterback to be drafted.

While possibly considered a bit of a journeyman, Gabriel tied the passing touchdowns career record while with the Ducks.

Bo Nix was lighting up the scoreboard before him, while other notable Ducks include Justin Herbert and Marcus Mariota.

Although the Ducks recently landed a top-10 recruit, they still haven't secured a quarterback commitment for the class of 2026.

That could change soon, as the Ducks have their eyes on four-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski.

Ponatoski is from Ohio and is ranked as the No. 22 quarterback, and No. 15 player from Ohio.

Ponatoski recently spoke about his recruiting process in an article by Angela Miele.

"I’m thinking about getting to Wake Forest, getting to Oregon, get to Alabama, and kind of make my decision after that. Not that I’m trying to make my decision not too long from now," Ponatoski said. "Just don’t want to drag it. Play my senior year and be done with it. But still taking the process slow, just so I make the decision right."

What truly stands out about Ponatoski is that he's also a top baseball recruit and hopes to find a school where he can play both.

Oregon could be a good fit for their baseball program and be an attractive destination, as the Ducks won the Big Ten Title in their first year in the new conference.