Elite Linebacker Recruit Bam Pelzer Opens Up on Oregon Ducks Offer

Highly touted 2029 prospect details his reaction to receiving an offer from the Ducks

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Bam Pelzer, a top linebacker recruit in the class of 2029, has received an offer from the Oregon Ducks. The Pennington School (New Jersey) standout discussed the significance of the offer, his impressions of Oregon's program, and his plans to visit the school soon.

Why it matters

Oregon has emerged as a national power in recent years, making the Ducks a highly sought-after destination for elite recruits like Pelzer. Landing commitments from top prospects is crucial for the Ducks to maintain their success and compete for championships.

The details

Pelzer, who already holds offers from schools like Rutgers and Pittsburgh, said the Oregon offer "feels unreal" and has motivated him to work even harder to potentially earn a starting spot on the Ducks' roster. Oregon linebacker coach Brian Michalowski delivered the offer and advised Pelzer to "build off this" and not let the achievement stop his hard work.

  • Pelzer received the Oregon offer in January 2026.

The players

Bam Pelzer

A top linebacker recruit in the class of 2029 from The Pennington School in New Jersey.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks football team.

Brian Michalowski

The linebacker coach for the Oregon Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“It feels unreal to have grown up watching this team and now actually get an offer to play for them. This is a huge accomplishment for me, and being a freshman makes me want to work even harder to get better on the field and in the weight room.”

— Bam Pelzer (Sports Illustrated)

“An offer from Oregon opened my eyes in a big way. I realized that all my dreams of becoming a college athlete were actually possible. Just like coach said, this definitely won't stop the hard work and dedication I put into this sport. If anything, it gives me an extra edge to push myself even more, with the goal of earning a possible starting spot on their roster.”

— Bam Pelzer (Sports Illustrated)

“You need to build off of this. You can't let one offer stop all the hard work and effort you've put in.”

— Brian Michalowski, Oregon Ducks Linebacker Coach (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

Pelzer plans to visit Oregon soon, with him and his mother already looking into flights to come to Eugene and meet the coaches and staff in person.

The takeaway

Oregon's offer to the highly touted Pelzer demonstrates the Ducks' ability to recruit elite talent from across the country, as they continue to build a national powerhouse under head coach Dan Lanning.