Oregon Ducks Secure No. 1 Safety Trey McNutt

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

Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks continued their hot streak on the recruiting trail on Saturday. As if this class couldn't get more impressive, Oregon earned a commitment from the No. 1 safety in the country, Trey McNutt.

McNutt, ranked as the No. 2 player overall from the state of Ohio, joins an elite set of defensive backs in Eugene, Ore., with Brandon Finney and Dorian Brew. McNutt is the No. 1 safety in the country, per 247Sports. However, On3 has Jonah Williams listed as the No. 1 safety despite 247Sports listing Williams as a linebacker. On3 has McNutt ranked as the No. 2 safety overall. Nonetheless, he is still a top-25 player on both platforms.

Going into August, Oregon's 2025 class was ranked No. 5 nationally. This will almost certainly boost them into the top 4. With their sights still set on multiple five-star recruits such as Jonah Williams and Michael Terry, the Ducks are looking to push for the No. 1 class in the country. McNutt chose the Ducks over Florida, USC, Texas A&M and Ohio State. Despite distance playing in the Buckeyes' favor for in-state safety, they could not overcome the Ducks here.

Who Is Trey McNutt?

McNutt is a 6-foot, 185-pound safety from Shaker Heights, Ohio. McNutt currently attends Shaker Heights High School, where he is preparing for his senior season in the fall. Initially, McNutt was rumored to be waiting a while for his announcement. This proved to be true, to some extent, because McNutt delayed his initial commitment date in mid-July to August 3rd. Duck fans across the country were worried about why he would do such a thing, but luckily it did seem to be because of family travel issues.

McNutt's ability exhibits more of a free safety style than a strong safety one. While he is more than capable of playing both—maybe even some cornerback—his elite coverage skills imply that he is best suited as the free safety.

McNutt took a fair amount of snaps as a wide receiver, showing on tape that his burst is extraordinary. Don't let his coverage skills distract you from his ability to assist in the run game. McNutt put a plethora of reps on display on tape, and he shoots to the ball carrier faster than anyone else on the field. He also has incredibly sticky hands—with many of his catches being made with one hand. McNutt's football IQ, talent and instincts all together lead to serious NFL potential.

How Does This Affect Oregon?

July was quite the month for the Ducks. Oregon landed a number of blue-chip recruits, including the top wide receiver in the country, Dakorien Moore. This does nothing but bolster the Ducks' elite 2025 recruiting class. McNutt now joins Brandon Finney and Dorian Brew, who are both four-star cornerbacks, in the current class. McNutt is the highest-ranked player in Ohio, which gives Oregon head coach Dan Lanning another significant commitment from the Midwest. If the Ducks do indeed land Jonah Williams, their future on the defensive side of the ball looks phenomenal.

© Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon has some more elite talent heading their way, and it isn't all DBs. Four-star edge Nasir Wyatt and and Matthew Johnson are also headed to Eugene. If the Ducks can finish the job with Williams, then they could finish with the No. 1 class in the country. Another name to watch is Michael Terry, who is down to Oregon and Texas. Terry would be a pleasant surprise for the Ducks, but they still have ample depth in their wide receiver room for this class with Dakorien Moore, Dallas Wilson, Cooper Perry and Isaiah Mozee.