Oregon Ducks Targeting Dual-Sport Star Matt Ponatoski Amidst Intense Competition
Eugene, OR – Oregon Ducks football coach Dan Lanning and baseball coach Mark Wasikowski are vying for the commitment of four-star athlete Matt Ponatoski, a standout quarterback and shortstop from Ohio’s Archbishop Moeller High School. Recently, Ponatoski impressed at the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles, where he was recognized as a top performer.
Following his official visit to Oregon, Ponatoski expressed enthusiasm about the program, highlighting the genuine nature of Lanning and his coaching staff. “I had the time of my life. I think I’d fit in the offense,” he stated. The dual-sport athlete, who led his football team to a state title with 4,217 passing yards and 57 touchdowns, is also a top-20 baseball prospect nationally.
Oregon faces stiff competition from the Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks, and Kentucky Wildcats in securing Ponatoski’s commitment. The Ducks are emerging as a prime destination for two-sport athletes, largely due to the strong dynamic between Lanning and Wasikowski. The latter noted the exceptional rapport between their football and baseball programs, stating, “Dan and his staff are on a totally different level of love.”
As the Ducks have yet to secure a quarterback for their 2026 recruiting class, all eyes are on Ponatoski’s decision. His admiration for offensive coordinator Will Stein also bodes well, as Stein has a track record of quarterback development and has attended multiple Heisman ceremonies.
With the positive trajectory of Oregon’s recruiting success—ranked top in both 2025 and 2026 classes—the Ducks are poised to secure Ponatoski. The dual-sport star’s choice will not only impact Oregon’s future but will also add to the growing legacy of successful athletes like Bryce Boettcher, a two-sport standout himself. Three, two-sport commitments and the Ducks’ intensifying recruiting strategy make for an exciting time in Eugene as the program seeks to cement its competitive edge.
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