There was no shortage of big names in Eugene over the weekend for the Oregon spring game. One name that is popping up more frequently with Duck fans is 2025 San Diego (Calif.) Lincoln quarterback Akili Smith Jr.
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound passer is picking up steam on the recruiting trail as his name lands on the radar of top teams in the country.
"It's just surreal being known by a lot of people," Smith said. "People at the Oregon game asked for my autograph cause of my dad--all this different stuff, it's super exciting and I'm excited to see where I'm headed. No days off."
During his trip to Oregon he got to meet the new quarterbacks coach, which was a highlight of the trip.
"I got to meet the QB coach Jordan Salkin. He was really cool," he said. "He taught me the expectations of the quarterbacks that they have. Some of the plays. Teaching me the ropes of what it would be like to be an Oregon quarterback. I got to see the spring game and I got to see the plays in action. It was pretty cool seeing that."
Smith is plenty familiar with the Ducks program after growing up around it, so why make the return trip?
"I like Oregon. I like the campus, the coaches. I just wanted to see what was going on with Will Stein. The new idea that they have for the program and where it's headed."
He discussed what's going on with Will Stein and the Oregon offense.
"I like what I'm seeing," Smith said. "He does a lot of the stuff that I'm currently doing right now at my high school like RPO, spread, a bunch of that stuff. If I went there I would be very familiar with what's going on. So it's looking good for Oregon and Will Stein."
Dan Lanning is doing everything in his power to help Oregon compete with the best of the best and the 2025 quarterback likes the vision he has for the program.
"Right now what's standing out is the fact that they have a really good chance to contend for a national championship. It's looking very good for Oregon. I like where I'm seeing the program's headed. Super excited to see that for my Dad's old school."
He didn't mince words when asked about where the Ducks stand in his recruitment.
"Definitely top three but I still want to be recruited by a lot of other schools. My options are always going to be open. That's just been the plan from the beginning, but Oregon is definitely in my top three for now."
With more offers sure to come in, a couple of schools are recruiting him hardest.
"Currently it's been Oregon, Michigan, Cal and San Diego State."
Next up for the Southern California standout are a number of trips to camp with schools this summer.
"I'm going the Michigan camp on July 30. I'm probably gonna go to Ohio State. I'm thinking about maybe going to Miami. Those are the main two that I'm probably going to be hitting up. UCLA camp as well. And Arizona I'm probably gonna be coming out for that too."
Smith also got to throw in the Elite 11 Eugene Regional and spoke about the experience.
"Elite 11 was super fun," he said. "There was a bunch of different faces that I haven't seen before that are really good. The coaches at Elite 11 were very great. They knew what they were talking about and they showed me a lot of love there at the Elite 11, so it was all fun."
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