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Dan Lanning is trending toward taking an annoying loss to one of the Oregon Ducks’ biggest rivals

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 8:27 AM ET

The Oregon Ducks had a big recruiting weekend this past weekend with multiple visitors in town.

One of those recruits was Elbert Hill, a 2026 cornerback who is ranked as the No. 3 player at the position in the country, according to 247 Sports. The Ducks have been battling Ohio State, USC, and Alabama in his recruitment.

Following his visit to Oregon, Hill is making a trip to USC this coming weekend. The elite cornerback recruit is gaining plenty of momentum to land with the Trojans.

USC Trojans predicted to land 2026 CB Elbert Hill out of Ohio

Losing out to Ohio State would be a much easier pill to swallow for Dan Lanning and his staff considering that Hill is from the Buckeye state. On3’s Steve Wiltfong has entered a prediction for USC to gain a commitment from Hill.

FONG BOMB: On3’s @SWiltfong_ has logged an expert prediction for USC to land elite CB Elbert Hill✌️

Hill ranks No. 35 NATL. (No. 4 CB) in the 2026 class.

Read: https://t.co/tvZpKPyWE0 pic.twitter.com/Cnygp8BWI7
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) April 22, 2025

Losing out on one of the best cornerbacks in the class to USC would be tough, who is in their second season in the Big Ten as well. USC already has 23 commitments and the No. 1 rated class in the country for 2026, according to 247 sports. The Trojans have gotten out and ahead with this class.

“Just the whole coaching staff and Coach Riley,” Hill’s father said, via On3. “Coach Riley has been awesome. The relationship he’s built with him, me, our family. Coach Weston, Coach Lynn, Coach Reed, they’re doing a phenomenal job recruiting us. Just the vision and the plan they laid on the table is awesome.”

Hill still has official visits to make in the month of June and that will be a big factor in where he ends up. As of right now, things are not looking good for the Ducks.

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

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