Breaking: Top 5-Star Safety Prospect Jireh Edwards Commits to Oregon Ducks Over Miami and Ohio State
In a highly anticipated decision that has been the talk of the 2026 recruiting class, Jireh Edwards, the four-star safety widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation, publicly announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks. Edwards, who had narrowed his choices down to the Ducks, Miami Hurricanes, and Ohio State Buckeyes, made his decision known during a live-streamed event, setting the college football world abuzz.
### A Coveted Prospect
Standing at 6’2” and weighing 190 pounds, Edwards has been a dominant force on the high school gridiron, showcasing a rare combination of size, speed, and football IQ. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, he has been a centerpiece for his high school team, leading their defense with a remarkable ability to read plays, deliver hard hits, and excel in coverage.
Edwards has been praised by scouts for his versatility, capable of playing both free and strong safety positions. His knack for creating turnovers and making game-changing plays earned him a spot in the 247Sports composite rankings as the No. 3 safety in the 2026 class and a top-50 overall player nationally.
### Why Oregon?
Edwards’ commitment to the Ducks is a significant victory for head coach Dan Lanning and his staff, who have been working tirelessly to elevate Oregon’s defensive reputation on a national scale. During his announcement, Edwards cited Oregon’s coaching staff, facilities, and their vision for his role in the team’s defense as key factors in his decision.
“I felt at home at Oregon,” Edwards said during the announcement. “Coach Lanning and Coach [Defensive Backs Coach] Demetrice Martin laid out a plan for me that I couldn’t ignore. They see me as a leader in their secondary and someone who can help them win championships.”
Oregon has steadily been building a reputation as a national powerhouse in recruiting, particularly on defense. The addition of Edwards solidifies their standing as a program capable of competing with traditional blue-blood schools like Ohio State and Miami for elite talent.
### The Competition: Miami and Ohio State
Both the Hurricanes and the Buckeyes made strong pushes for Edwards, offering compelling cases for why he should join their programs. Miami leaned heavily on its legacy of producing NFL-caliber safeties, with a rich history that includes names like Ed Reed and Sean Taylor.
Ohio State, meanwhile, emphasized its recent track record of developing defensive backs who succeed at the highest level, such as Jeff Okudah and Malik Hooker. Their status as perennial College Football Playoff contenders made them a formidable competitor in Edwards’ recruitment.
In the end, Edwards’ connection with the Ducks’ coaching staff and his belief in their defensive system tipped the scales in Oregon’s favor.
### A Game-Changer for the Ducks
Edwards’ commitment marks a significant step forward for Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the best in program history. His presence in the secondary is expected to bolster the Ducks’ defense, which has been undergoing a transformation under Lanning.
With Edwards on board, Oregon fans are already dreaming of a defensive unit that can rival the best in college football. His ability to patrol the field and make impact plays is likely to make him a cornerstone of the Ducks’ defense for years to come.
### Looking Ahead
As one of the most highly sought-after safeties in the 2026 class, Edwards’ decision underscores the changing dynamics of college football recruiting, where programs like Oregon are increasingly able to compete with and surpass traditional powers.
For now, Ducks fans can celebrate a major victory on the recruiting trail, while Miami and Ohio State regroup in their pursuit of other top prospects. Edwards, meanwhile, is focused on finishing his high school career strong before heading to Eugene to begin what promises to be a stellar collegiate career.
The future is bright for Oregon, and with players like Jireh Edwards leading the way, the Ducks are poised to soar to even greater heights.