2025 San Diego (Calif.) Lincoln quarterback Akili Smith Jr. announced his commitment to Oregon on Monday and the Ducks are picking up some steam on the recruiting trail once again.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound passer spoke with Ducks Digest about why he's heading to Eugene to play his college ball for the Ducks were the pick to play his college football.
"When I went up there again I saw Coach Lanning. He was talking about the family aspect of everything, being closely knitted, always working together and having each other's back," Smith said. "That was one of the big things."
New offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Will Stein also played a big role in his decision.
"Also going up there and seeing Coach Stein's coaching style, that was a big thing for me as well. He knows what he's talking about and he has a lot of knowledge."
Oregon's newest commit offered more on his relationship with Stein, who's landed four quarterback commits without coaching a game for the Ducks.
"It's been great ever since day one," he said. "He came down to my school and watched me throw. He said I have an amazing throwing motion and everything--natural thrower. From there we just kicked it off, talking about football, Oregon, his philosophy, all his plays. I like what Coach Stein is doing with his offense."
Smith still has two full high school seasons to play before he gets to college, so why make this decision now?
"Honestly it was just to lock in my spot. Oregon, I wanted to make sure that the coaches knew that I wanted to be there and I'm 100% committed to the cause and I just wanted to get back to national championship level like Marcus Mariota did. That's been my dream honestly since I was a little kid, aways wanted to be a Duck."
With competing offers from schools like Michigan and Florida, there were a couple things that set Oregon apart.
"It was the environment," Smith said. "I love the weather out there. It's always nice. It reminds me of my hometown San Diego, California. Always green.
"Then also the fans and everything. There's a lot of fans out there that know my name because of my dad, so I'm hoping that they will have my back when I'm up there. The coaches, they're just always on me and talking to me and just building a great relationship with me."
Smith Jr. is ready to chase history with the Ducks and shared a message with Oregon fans.
"There's definitely going to be a national championship coming to Eugene. I'm a Duck. Happy to finally be a Duck. It's always been my dream."
Read More
Duck legacy Akili Smith Jr. commits to Oregon
What Akili Smith Jr.'s commitment means for Oregon Football
Sophomore Film
More must-reads: