Oregon Ducks Land Four-Star Linebacker Braylon Hodge Over Texas, Michigan
The Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning continue to build an impressive 2026 recruiting class, securing a commitment from four-star linebacker Braylon Hodge. The Englewood, Colorado native becomes the 19th pledge in Oregon’s 2026 class, choosing the Ducks over powerhouse programs Texas and Michigan.
Hodge Chooses Oregon
Hodge announced his decision to commit to Oregon through Rivals reporter Hayes Fawcett, just days after visiting Eugene. The Ducks hosted him on the weekend of October 11, when they faced the Indiana Hoosiers. Speaking with Max Torres of Scoop Duck, Hodge explained what drew him to the program.
“Oregon has always been a school with big energy and a national presence,” Hodge said. “The facilities are elite, it’s a big-time program, always in the mix for a championship. It’s definitely a place where players develop and win.”
Hodge’s recruitment included major interest from the Michigan Wolverines and Texas Longhorns, both of whom hosted or planned visits with the linebacker. He took an official visit to Michigan on October 4 and was scheduled to visit Texas on November 22.
Interestingly, Hodge was previously committed to Michigan State but decommitted the day before his trip to Oregon—setting the stage for his eventual decision to join the Ducks.
Player Profile: Braylon Hodge
Standing 6-foot-3 and 212 pounds, Hodge is ranked as the No. 15 linebacker nationally in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. National recruiting analyst Greg Biggins recently praised Hodge’s versatility and steady rise among defensive prospects.
“Hodge is a fast-rising linebacker and one of the top defenders in the Mountain region,” Biggins said. “He’s a well-rounded player who can do everything well—plays fast, reads and reacts, and flies to the football.”
“He’s physical at the point of attack and brings real knock-back power,” Biggins added. “He’s comfortable in space, fluid in coverage, and athletic enough to handle both tight ends and running backs. He could line up inside or outside at the college level.”
Oregon’s 2026 Recruiting Class
With Hodge’s commitment, Oregon now holds the No. 3-ranked 2026 recruiting class according to Rivals. The Ducks’ class features four five-star prospects—offensive tackle Immanuel Iheanacho, safety Jett Washington, tight end Kendre Harrison, and edge rusher Anthony Jones.
Despite having fewer total commitments (19) than USC (34) and Georgia (29)—the top two classes in the nation—Oregon’s ranking highlights the elite quality of each player the program has landed so far.
Coach Lanning’s Ducks continue to establish themselves as a premier recruiting force, and the addition of Braylon Hodge only strengthens their case as a future national contender.
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