Duck Pluck: Oregon Lands Outstanding 2026 QB Jonas Williams

© Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Oregon Ducks struck again on Saturday. This time, the quack attack landed a commitment for the 2026 recruiting class. Elite four-star quarterback Jonas Williams announced his pledge to the Ducks today. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has been tearing it up on the recruiting trail this summer.

Williams is ranked as the No. 7 overall quarterback in the 2026 cycle and one of the top players from Illinois. This commitment pushes Oregon up to No. 1 overall in the 2026 team rankings for recruiting.

About Jonas Williams

Jonas Williams is an elite quarterback from the Midwest. He currently attends Lincoln-Way East High School and is the top player in his state according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. Williams has a great combination of athleticism, size and throwing accuracy. He is listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds. Williams displays impressive running ability, posing a serious threat to opponents in the run game and while scrambling when passing plays break down.

By the time Williams arrives in Eugene, Ore., one would imagine he will be even bigger and represent a significant threat in QB design runs. Williams has an elite throwing arm and exhibits the ability to fit the ball into tight windows coupled with an awareness to take what the defense gives him. Williams is the ideal candidate for today's RPO-heavy, spread offense. He is a perfect fit for Will Stein, Oregon's offensive coordinator.

How Does This Affect Oregon?

While 2026 is still a ways away, this commitment solidified the Ducks in the No. 1 position for the 2026 cycle according to On3's industry comparison of recruiting commitments. This is the third four-star recruit Oregon has landed in the class, as Williams joins Tony Cumberland and Tradarian Ball.

With this commitment, Oregon secures a bright future at the quarterback position for years to come. Dillon Gabriel is currently in line to start this season, with Dante Moore slotted as the potential starter next year after he transferred from UCLA this offseason. After Moore, Oregon has Akili Smith Jr. in line to be the next star signal caller. Smith is a four-star recruit in the 2025 class. Williams will arrive in Eugene a year later. The Oregon quarterback room will be loaded for years to come, which is music to Will Steins' ears.