Oregon Shifts Focus to 5-Star QB Will Mencl After Missing Out on Jake Nawrot

The Ducks will make a final push to land the top-ranked passer in the 2027 class.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-perspective action of a high-energy football game, capturing the intensity and energy of the recruiting battle for a top quarterback prospect.Oregon's pursuit of five-star quarterback Will Mencl takes center stage as the Ducks look to land the top passer in the 2027 recruiting class.Chandler Today

After missing out on four-star quarterback Jake Nawrot, who committed to Kentucky, the Oregon Ducks are now fully focused on securing a commitment from five-star quarterback Will Mencl, the top-ranked passer in the 2027 recruiting class. Mencl, from Chandler, Arizona, will take his final scheduled visit to Eugene on Wednesday, with the decision expected to come down to Oregon and Auburn.

Why it matters

Landing Mencl would be a huge boost for Oregon's 2027 recruiting class, which is currently ranked 7th nationally. The Ducks are looking to solidify their quarterback room for the future, with Mencl seen as a potential program-changing talent at the most important position on the field.

The details

The Ducks had been aggressively pursuing both Mencl and Nawrot, the second-ranked quarterback in the class. While they made progress with Nawrot, hosting him on campus twice in the past week, the four-star ultimately committed to Kentucky, aligning himself with former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein. With Nawrot off the board, the Ducks are now fully focused on securing Mencl, who is expected to choose between Oregon, Auburn, and Penn State.

  • Nawrot announced his commitment to Kentucky on Sunday.
  • Mencl will take his final scheduled visit to Oregon on Wednesday.
  • Mencl is expected to make his college decision shortly after his visit to Eugene.

The players

Will Mencl

A five-star quarterback from Chandler, Arizona, and the top-ranked passer in the 2027 recruiting class.

Jake Nawrot

A four-star quarterback who committed to Kentucky, aligning himself with former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein.

Dylan Raiola

Oregon's current quarterback who is expected to be the starter next season.

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What they’re saying

“Mencl appears to be gearing up toward a decision, and his last scheduled visit will happen in Eugene on Wednesday. Mencl is expected to decide shortly after his visit between Oregon, Auburn and Penn State. However, the decision appears to be coming down to the Ducks and Tigers, and since the Ducks have a chance to make a final impression and get the last say in his recruitment, things are looking good for the Ducks.”

— Logan Brown, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Landing Mencl would be a huge win for Oregon's 2027 recruiting class, solidifying their quarterback room for the future. The Ducks are now fully focused on securing the commitment of the top-ranked passer in the country, with their final chance to make an impression coming on Wednesday when Mencl visits Eugene.