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Dan Lanning adds a Beaver to be the Oregon Ducks' future star QB after whiffing on several top-rated options to rivals

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 11:58 AM ET

After struggling to land a commitment from several of the available higher-end four-star and five-star quarterbacks, Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks finally found their passer in the 2026 recruiting class. Bryson Beaver, a lower-four-star quarterback, will be Oregon's foundational piece for this year.

Add in positive movement with five-star tackle Immanuel Iheanacho and four-star guard Tommy Tofi, and the Ducks are creating some positive momentum.

The name “Beaver” may raise eyebrows among Ducks fans, especially with the annual rivalry game against Oregon State, nicknamed “The Beaver State,” on the horizon. But this Beaver was never considering Oregon's rival.

BREAKING: Four-Star QB Bryson Beaver has Committed to Oregon, he tells me for @on3recruits

The 6’3 200 QB from Murrieta, CA was previously Committed to Boise State

“Excited to be a part of something special in Oregon, Sco Ducks ”https://t.co/4EeDm01Dnu pic.twitter.com/aR5p4tFCBs
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 25, 2025

Beaver, who recently decommitted from Boise State on June 12, chose Oregon over offers from Alabama, Ole Miss, Colorado, LSU, and Auburn. Notably, Oregon State, whose mascot aligns with his surname, did not extend an offer.

Should Beaver stay committed and join the lineup, he could face the Beavers in the storied rivalry, which is set to continue in 2025 in Eugene despite Oregon’s exit from the Pac-12. While only a two-year agreement is in place, both schools have expressed interest in preserving the tradition.

Beaver’s rise to prominence came after a stellar performance at the Elite 11 Finals, where he earned his fourth star. Initially rated an 84 last fall, he climbed to a 90 in the 247Sports rankings, showcasing his potential.

At the Elite 11, Beaver completed 18 of 26 passes for 235 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions in 7-on-7 play, securing a spot on the Elite 11 roster as the sixth-best performer, per 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins.

Hailing from Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, California, Beaver had a strong junior season, leading his team to an 8-4 record. He completed 229 of 345 passes for 3,214 yards, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while adding 411 rushing yards and two scores on 58 carries.

According to 247Sports’ Matt Prehm, Beaver is likely the sole quarterback target for Oregon’s 2026 class. The Ducks previously secured four-star quarterback Akili Smith Jr., a legacy commit and son of 1990s Oregon star Akili Smith, in their 2025 class.

Another top prospect, Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele, signed with Oregon but transferred to California before spring camp.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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