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Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are the front runner for a five-star difference maker, and a finish line is now in sight

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ryan Roberts | Last updated May 30, 2025 12:21 AM ET

Since head coach Dan Lanning took over the Oregon Ducks program, they have been recruiting at an incredibly high level. With their combination of high-level football and NIL money, they have become a very attractive option for players across the country. That includes the early returns in the 2026 class.

One of the top overall targets remaining on the board is five-star Upper Marlboro (Md.) St. Frances Academy safety Jireh Edwards. Considered an elite talent in the class, Edwards released his finalists heading toward his decision day. The Ducks managed to make the cut along with Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Texas A&M.

Edwards is set to make his decision on July 5th following his official visits. As things currently stand, many believe that Oregon is the team to beat. They will have to close this recruitment out, but I wouldn’t want to be anyone other than the Ducks right now.

BREAKING: Five-Star Safety Jireh Edwards is down to Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Auburn, Florida, and Texas A&M, he tells me for @on3recruits

The No. 2 Safety in the ‘26 Class will announce his Commitment on July 5th

Where Should He Go? https://t.co/ESr4XwxInV pic.twitter.com/xO7G3MGe8b
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) May 28, 2025

Edwards is considered to be an elite recruit by several of the major recruiting platforms. On the 247Sports Composite ranking, he is considered a five-star player, the No. 24 overall player, No. 3 safety, and No. 3 player in the state of Maryland in the 2026 recruiting class. He is ranked nearly identical on the 247Sports individual ranking, sitting at No. 26 overall currently.

As a junior, Edwards was outstanding for St. Frances Academy. He managed to collect 92 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. The 6-2, 205-pound defender is a rare football player who can make a ton of plays from depth, as well as offering big upside in the box as well.

It’s no shock that Edwards has garnered the attention of some of the top programs in all of college football during his recruitment. Some of his top offers include the Ducks, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan, Oregon, LSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss, USC, Penn State, Miami, Florida, Florida State, and Auburn many others.

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

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