Oregon defensive line coach Tony Tuioti walks into the hotel as the Oregon Ducks arrive in Los Angeles ahead of the Rose Bowl Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, UCLA Bruins Pushing For Elite Defensive Line Recruit

Originally posted on Oregon Ducks on SI
By Arden Cravalho | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Oregon Ducks' 2027 recruiting class is starting to take shape, with two commits in four-star wide receiver Kesean Bowman from Brentwood Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, and four-star defensive lineman Cam Pritchett in Alabaster, Alabama.

Four-star defensive lineman Jon Ioane in the 2027 class will be in Eugene for Oregon’s game against the USC Trojans at Autzen Stadium on Nov. 22. Ioane ranks No. 166 nationally, No. 15 at his position, and No. 12 from the state of California, according to Rivals.

The two Southern California programs in the Big Ten Conference, the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins, look to be the early leaders in Ioane's recruitment. The Washington Huskies, Arizona State Sun Devils, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and North Carolina Tar Heels are also in the hunt.

Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ioane competes all over the field, not just as a defensive tackle. He was also on the offensive line, caught a touchdown as a tight end, and even took some snaps at quarterback for Tustin in California. 247 Sports' Greg Biggins believes the 6-3, 290-pound recruit will be the best at the nose guard position in college football.

"He’s a natural wide body who probably projects best as a nose guard at the next level, and we know defensive line is his preference, but he would be an excellent guard or even center in college as well."247 Sports' Greg Biggins on Jon Ioane

After missing out on his freshman season due to a knee injury, Ioane bounced back in his sophomore season with 52 total tackles (21 being solo, nine were tackles for losses), 24 quarterback hurries, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass breakup in 11 games played.

Under center for Tustin, Ioane threw for 475 passing yards and seven touchdowns on 31 completions. He had a 66.0 completion rate and a 129.9 quarterback rating.

Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ioane spoke with On3's Max Torres about the Oregon Ducks after he received his offer back on Apr. 30.

“Man, it’s a blessing to have a powerhouse like Oregon be interested in me. As a kid you kind of grow up already liking them ’cause of the swag and culture they’ve built over the years. And to see their success now and to know that they are looking at me to come in is pretty cool and amazing.”Jon Ioane via On3's Max Torres