Oregon to Host Rising 4-Star Quarterback Recruit for Boise State Opener

The Oregon Ducks are set to welcome several highly regarded recruits to Autzen Stadium for their 2026 season opener, including one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the 2028 class.

Opening weekend is always a major event in Eugene, but the season opener against Boise State will also give Oregon an opportunity to showcase its program to some important recruiting targets.

Among the expected visitors is four-star quarterback Tristin Gaines, who has quickly emerged as one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2028 recruiting cycle.

Tristin Gaines Set to Visit Oregon

Gaines, a blue-chip quarterback from Waller High School in Texas, is scheduled to be in Eugene on Sept. 5 for Oregon’s matchup with Boise State, according to Sam Spiegelman of On3/Rivals.

The visit will give Gaines an opportunity to watch Dante Moore lead the Ducks’ offense and work with one of the most talented collections of offensive weapons in the country.

The Boise State game will not be Gaines’ only planned trip to Eugene, either. He is also expected to return Oct. 10 when Oregon hosts UCLA.

“Gaines is the No. 8-rated quarterback in the Rivals300 for the Class of 2028,” Spiegelman reported. “He camped in Eugene over the summer and collected an offer from the Oregon coaching staff.”

Gaines’ interest in Oregon has continued to grow since that summer visit. Earlier in August, he told Rivals that “Oregon is a standout, for sure,” while identifying head coach Dan Lanning, quarterbacks coach Koa Ka’ai and offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer as the coaches recruiting him most aggressively.

The Ducks also appear to have an appealing offensive fit for Gaines. The quarterback believes Oregon’s system would allow him to make the most of his athletic ability and playmaking skills.

That makes the upcoming visits particularly important for Oregon. If the Ducks can continue building their relationship with Gaines, they could put themselves in position to secure another major quarterback commitment for the 2028 class.

Oregon Has Already Lost Two 2028 Quarterback Targets

Oregon is in an enviable position at quarterback right now. Moore is leading the current offense, while former five-star recruit Dylan Raiola provides additional depth. The Ducks also have five-star quarterback Will Mencl committed for the 2027 class, according to Rivals.

Despite that depth, recruiting Gaines has become increasingly important after Oregon missed on two notable quarterbacks in the 2028 cycle.

One of those prospects was five-star quarterback Christopher Vargas. The Massachusetts standout received an early offer from Oregon but ultimately ended his recruitment before his junior season. In early August, Vargas chose Ohio State, giving the Ducks a recruiting loss to another Big Ten power.

Oregon also pursued three-star quarterback Trey Wright out of Frisco, Texas. Wright drew comparisons to Minnesota Vikings quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray, but ultimately selected USC, Oregon’s longtime rival, on Aug. 15.

Those misses have helped make Gaines an even more significant target for the Ducks.

Another Quarterback Target Is on the Way

Gaines is not the only 2028 quarterback Oregon is pursuing.

Four-star dual-threat quarterback Josiah Boyd of Moreno Valley, California, is also scheduled to visit Eugene. Boyd is expected to be at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 18 when Oregon hosts Portland State.

With Gaines and Boyd both emerging as intriguing possibilities, Oregon fans have two quarterbacks to keep an eye on throughout the early stages of the 2028 recruiting cycle.

Gaines will get the first opportunity to experience the Ducks firsthand when he arrives for the Boise State opener, giving Oregon an important chance to strengthen its position with one of the nation’s top young quarterback prospects.