THE LATEST: Elite DB RJ Sermons and Oregon

California has always been a central pillar of Oregon recruiting and the Ducks are after another one of the state’s very best in the 2026 cycle. Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) cornerback RJ Sermons was one of many elite prospects in Eugene for Oregon’s Saturday Night Live camp last month and he spoke with ScoopDuck about his interest in the Ducks and the latest in his recruitment.

On3’s No. 15 prospect came away impressed by his first trip out to Eugene.

“I really liked it,” he said. “What stood out to me was really just the coaching staff, the facilities, and how everything’s ran kind of on a next level from a lot of other programs.”

Coaches likes Chris Hampton and Rashad Wadood are leading the way in this recruitment for the Ducks, while the 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back begins to build a relationship with Dan Lanning.

“It’s really just kind of honestly like a family feel, really getting to know them through football and outside of football, just kind of on a daily level.”

There were a handful of aspects that made the trip special, but a select few were his favorite while in the Pacific Northwest.

“The camp was really good,” Sermons recalled. “Seeing all the competition there and going against all the competition out in Oregon. Some of those players were actually committed to Oregon or have committed now, so super cool. And then outside of the camp, really just kind of just walking, just seeing all the facilities and how next-level everything is is really cool.”

Southern California has become one of Oregon’s most crucial pipelines, so I had to ask Sermons what he thinks is taking those top prospects from his region to Eugene.

“I just think that the opportunities out there. Because going from California to Eugene, really different environments, different in every way. For all of them to go there and be happy where they’re at, it means and it shows a lot to the program as well.”

He was also able to check out Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies right before coming out to Eugene and reflected on that trip.

“It was cool. Staff was super smart, super friendly, kind of like a big family aspect, super welcoming. What Washington is building in the secondary and then also all around, super great. Very good program.”

Sermons doesn’t know which schools he’ll get out to see in the future, but he does know he wants to make sure he returns to Oregon for another trip.

For now, a small group has separated themselves from the rest and are leading the way.

“Recently Oregon, I would say Oregon is probably number one— Notre Dame, Texas. Those three are my top right now. And USC of course.”

An early decision sounds like it could be in the cards for the 4-star talent.

“Right now I’m leaning towards right after this season. If not mid-season I’d say right after the season,” Sermons said.

What’s it going to take for him to feel comfortable at his school of choice?

“I just say a good program with good coaches that are real and authentic, more than anything that’s really what will get me to commit to them, to their school.”

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