Four-Star Quarterback Narrows Recruitment to Oregon, Kentucky and UCLA

Oregon has emerged as one of three finalists for four-star quarterback Josiah Boyd, giving the Ducks another opportunity to secure their next potential star signal-caller.

The No. 21 Oregon Ducks are already looking toward the future at quarterback, even as the program deals with the aftermath of a stunning loss to Oklahoma State.

While the Ducks still have plenty to accomplish during the 2026 season, the coaching staff continues to work on the recruiting trail. One of its biggest priorities is finding the eventual successor to star quarterback Dante Moore.

Oregon made meaningful progress toward that goal on Sept. 16 when highly regarded 2028 quarterback Josiah Boyd announced his top three schools.

Oregon among Josiah Boyd’s finalists

Boyd has narrowed his recruitment to three programs: Oregon, UCLA and Kentucky.

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound quarterback from Moreno Valley, California, revealed the list to Hayes Fawcett of On3/Rivals. He is currently ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2028 Rivals300.

Oregon’s inclusion demonstrates the work Dan Lanning, offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer and quarterbacks coach Koa Ka’ai have put into making Boyd a priority target.

The Ducks have apparently made a strong impression on the talented passer, who has quickly established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in his class.

Landing Boyd would also help Oregon offset a pair of recruiting misses at quarterback. The Ducks were among the programs pursuing five-star quarterback Christopher Vargas before he ultimately committed to Ohio State during the summer. Oregon also previously recruited Trey Wright, a Frisco, Texas, prospect who chose USC ahead of the 2026 high school season.

Boyd continues Oregon’s California recruiting connection

Oregon’s interest in Inland Empire prospects is nothing new. The Ducks have consistently recruited talent from the region regardless of who has been leading the program in Eugene.

The Inland Empire remains a productive recruiting area for Oregon and other Power Four programs. The Ducks’ 2026 roster already includes Hemet, California, wide receiver Dillon Gresham.

Boyd would fit another trend Oregon has established at the quarterback position: prioritizing mobile, dual-threat passers.

The Moreno Valley standout has already accumulated 898 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns during his varsity career. Through the air, he entered the 2026 season with 42 touchdown passes against only seven interceptions.

As a passer, Boyd shows impressive anticipation and delivers the ball with a strong arc and clean spiral. He also understands when to abandon the pocket and use his athleticism to create problems for opposing defenses.

His combination of arm talent and mobility has helped establish him as one of the nation’s elite prospects in the 2028 class.

Oregon has an opportunity to make its final push

Boyd’s final three schools are Oregon, UCLA and Kentucky.

UCLA is the only other Big Ten program remaining in his recruitment, with head coach Bob Chesney leading the Bruins’ pursuit. Kentucky offers another interesting connection, as Wildcats head coach Will Stein previously served as Oregon’s offensive coordinator and has implemented concepts familiar to the Ducks’ offensive system.

Oregon, however, has an immediate opportunity to strengthen its position.

Boyd is scheduled to visit Eugene for the Ducks’ Sept. 18 matchup against Portland State. The visit will give Lanning and his staff a chance to showcase Autzen Stadium and the Oregon program in person.

With Boyd already down to three schools, his trip to Eugene could be an important moment in the Ducks’ pursuit of one of the top quarterbacks in the 2028 recruiting class.