Oregon Ducks Gain Momentum With 5-Star Recruit Honor Fa'alave-Johnson

Fa'alave-Johnson lists Oregon in his top six as the Ducks look to secure another elite safety recruit.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning has yet to secure a five-star commitment from the 2027 recruiting class, but that could soon change with five-star safety Honor Fa'alave-Johnson listing the Ducks in his top six. The potential addition of Fa'alave-Johnson would set the Ducks up for future success at the safety position, as they look to transition from starting transfer safeties to developing elite recruits.

Why it matters

The Ducks have the opportunity to secure a five-star safety in back-to-back recruiting classes with Fa'alave-Johnson's commitment, which would help bolster their secondary and potentially form an elite safety duo with 2026 five-star recruit Jett Washington.

The details

Fa'alave-Johnson listed Oregon, Miami, LSU, USC, Notre Dame, and Texas in his top six. The 6-1, 190-pound safety is ranked the No. 1 safety and the No. 1 player in California by 247Sports. He starred for Cathedral Catholic as a junior, totaling 40 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble, while also rushing for 1,532 yards and 23 touchdowns and catching 35 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Chris Hampton visited Fa'alave-Johnson on January 22, and his trip to Eugene is scheduled for March 14-15.

  • Fa'alave-Johnson received his Oregon offer in July 2024.
  • Fa'alave-Johnson revealed his top 10 on December 16, 2025.
  • Lanning and Hampton visited Fa'alave-Johnson on January 22, 2026.
  • Fa'alave-Johnson's visit to Eugene is scheduled for March 14-15, 2026.

The players

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks football team.

Chris Hampton

The defensive coordinator for the Oregon Ducks football team.

Honor Fa'alave-Johnson

A five-star safety recruit who is considering the Oregon Ducks as one of his top six schools.

Jett Washington

A five-star safety recruit who signed with the Oregon Ducks in the 2026 recruiting class and has the chance to play a key role for the team as a true freshman.

Dillon Thieneman

A transfer safety who anchored the Ducks' defense in 2025 before declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Appreciate you Coach @CoachDanLanning & @Coach_CHampton for coming out and visiting me!!”

— Honor Fa'alave-Johnson (Twitter)

What’s next

Fa'alave-Johnson's upcoming visit to Eugene on March 14-15 will be a key moment in his recruitment, as the Ducks look to make a strong impression and potentially secure a commitment from the elite safety prospect.

The takeaway

The Ducks' pursuit of Fa'alave-Johnson represents their continued efforts to build an elite secondary, transitioning from relying on transfer safeties to developing top-tier recruits like Fa'alave-Johnson and Jett Washington. If Oregon can land Fa'alave-Johnson, they could have one of the nation's best safety duos for multiple seasons.