. Washington State Cougars’ Top Recruit Changes Allegiance to Oregon Ducks at the Last Minute
The Washington State Cougars suffered a crushing blow this week as their top football recruit, wide receiver Jamal Green, announced his decision to sign with the Oregon Ducks just hours before National Signing Day. The announcement has left the Cougars’ fanbase stunned and questioning what went wrong.
Green, a five-star recruit and one of the most sought-after wide receivers in the nation, had been verbally committed to Washington State for months. His decision to flip to Oregon has sparked controversy, with many speculating that the Ducks’ NIL program played a significant role in swaying his choice. Green’s statement on social media added fuel to the fire: “Oregon felt like home. Excited for what’s ahead. Go Ducks!”
Washington State’s head coach Jake Dickert expressed disappointment in the sudden change but remained optimistic about the program’s future. “Jamal is a phenomenal talent, and while we’re disappointed, we wish him success. Our focus remains on the players who are committed to building something special here at Washington State,” Dickert said during a press conference.
The loss of Green is a significant setback for the Cougars, who are trying to establish themselves as a competitive force in the Pac-12. Green was expected to be a game-changer for the program, and his departure leaves a noticeable void in their recruiting class.
For Oregon, Green’s commitment is a massive win. The Ducks, already known for their high-powered offense, are poised to become even more dangerous with Green in their arsenal. The move has also reignited the rivalry between the two programs, with Washington State fans accusing Oregon of leveraging NIL deals to poach their top talent.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this last-minute flip has reshaped the Pac-12 recruiting landscape and added new intensity to an already fierce rivalry.