Archbishop Hoban's Elbert 'Roc' Hill IV runs with the ball in the first half of a football game against Central York at Panthers Stadium on Oct. 18, 2024, in Springettsbury Township. Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks Coaches Visit Five-Star Cornerback Recruit Elbert Hill

Originally posted on Oregon Ducks on SI
By Arden Cravalho | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 11:47 AM ET

The Oregon Ducks already have the No. 1 2026 recruiting class, per On3's rankings, and are trying to continue to stack up on talent all over the field. No. 1 cornerback Elbert Hill received his offer from coach Dan Lanning back on Feb. 19, 2024.

At 5-10, 170-pounds out of Archbishop Hoban in Akron, Ohio, Hill ranks as the No. 17 overall recruit in the country. Oregon's defensive backs coach Chris Hampton paid a visit to Hill earlier this week.

Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Hill actually took a couple of unofficial visits to campus on July 26, 2024 and on Nov. 9, 2024 for the 39-18 win over the Maryland Terrapins in a Big Ten Conference matchup. The interest from both sides is there, but other schools like USC and Ohio State are battling for Hill's commitment.

“Oregon is pushing for me very hard. Their message is to come join the squad and I like them a lot. I like the coaching staff at Oregon."Elbert Hill via On3

According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong, Hill is planning visits both to Eugene and the Alabama Crimson Tide at the end of January. The Penn State Nittany Lions, and Michigan Wolverines are also in the hunt for the star cornerback.

“Oregon has done a lot as far as recruiting him. The relationship he has with Coach (Chris) Hampton and Coach (Rashad) Wadood and (Dan) Lanning is great. Oregon we talk to those guys if not every day, every other day. They already told us about the plan they would have for him. He told them his goals and what he’s looking for in a school. We’re just making sure everything aligns right as we’re making this decision, it’s a big decision.”Elbert's father via On3

The headlining recruit for the Ducks in the class of 2026 is five-star tight end Kendre Harrison who also plans on playing basketball under coach Dana Altman. He's the no. 14 overall recruit and No. 1 tight end in his recruiting class.

“Oregon is the total package. I chose Oregon because of their player development, the coaching I will get there, the culture and the place. I like Eugene a lot.”2026 tight end Kendre Harrison