Ducks Digest

Oregon Ducks Recruiting 'Different' Details New Receivers Coach Ross Douglas

Oregon Ducks football continues to cement itself as a national recruiting powerhouse. With elite facilities, consistent success, and NFL-caliber development, the Ducks have become a top destination for high school stars and transfer talent alike. Now, with wide receivers coach Ross Douglas joining the staff, Oregon looks to keep that momentum rolling into a new era.

Olivia Cleary

Aug 31, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Aug 31, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Idaho Vandals at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
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EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks under coach Dan Lanning have been dominating the recruiting trail. Since Lanning’s arrival in December of 2021, the Ducks have managed to bring in top ten recruiting classed while simultaneously landing top transfers from around the nation. Now the Ducks have a new recruiter on their staff: wide receivers coach Ross Douglas. 

After the 2024 season, Oregon receivers coach Junior Adams took on a new role. Adams left Oregon’s football program, taking his next steps in his coaching career as the receiver coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Adams’ exit from the program resulted in Lanning bringing in a new face to not only lead Oregon’s talent-flooded receiver room but to further help solidify the Ducks as a recruiting powerhouse. 

Douglas detailed the difference on recruiting with the Ducks brand.

“It does hit a little different when you got the Oregon 'O' behind you,” said Douglas of recruiting Tuesday after a spring practice. “But nonetheless, the same mindset, mentality that I've had everywhere I've been.” 

Oregon has emerged as a recruiting powerhouse for various reasons. Whether it’s facilities, recent success, producing NFL talent, etc., Oregon can compete with any program in the nation in recruiting both out of high school and the transfer portal. Oregon’s 2025 recruiting class ranked No. 5 in the nation while its 2024 class ranked No. 3. In 2024, the Ducks also landed the No. 2 transfer class in the nation. 

Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the secon
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Oregon’s pattern of success on the recruiting trail is only anticipated to grow. The Ducks already have the No. 8 ranked recruiting class in the 2026 cycle and are only expected to climb in the ranks as several top prospects prepare to make their decisions. 

The Ducks’ success is attributed to a combination of strategic efforts, including the work of coaches like Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach Chris Hampton. 247Sports recognized Hampton as the National Recruiter of the Year for the 2025 cycle due to his success in recruiting one of, if not the best, defensive back groups in the nation. 

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Prior to Douglas’ arrival, Adams was also an aggressor on the recruiting trail. Adams managed to bring some of the nation’s most promising receivers to Oregon. Jeremiah McClellan, Jurrion Dickey, as well as transfers like Evan Stewart and Tez Johnson, are all a result of Adams and Lanning's recruiting. 

Dec 7, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8), wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (2) and wide r
Dec 7, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8), wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (2) and wide receiver Evan Stewart (7) celebrate a play during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

 Douglas plans on expanding on the foundation Adams laid but with his own unique approach. 

"Junior Adams is Junior Adams and Ross Douglas is Ross Douglas," Douglas said. "I'm just ready to make my own stamp and shoot, I have big shoes to fill. Now I just want to take my own spin on it and run with it and hopefully that translates to a lot of success." 

Douglas is no stranger to success. Douglas was brought on to Oregon’s coaching staff after spending last season leading the nation's top passing offense at Syracuse. The Orange led the FBS with 370.0 passing yards per game while ranking sixth with 34 passing touchdowns. Before Douglas, Syracuse ranked 116th nationally in 2023. 

Dec 27, 2024; San Diego, CA, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Jackson Meeks (7) runs the ball against Washington State Coug
Dec 27, 2024; San Diego, CA, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Jackson Meeks (7) runs the ball against Washington State Cougars edge Andrew Edson (95) during the second half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images / Abe Arredondo-Imagn Images

Before heading to Syracuse, Douglas spent three years with the New England Patriots. He started as a defensive assistant and was promoted in 2022 to wide receivers coach, making him the youngest position coach in the NFL at that time. 

During his first year in that role, Douglas helped Patriots wideout Jakobi Meyers reach career-best numbers in receiving yards (804) and touchdowns (six). 

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes the touchdown agains
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes the touchdown against Miami Dolphins linebacker Duke Riley (45) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

As Douglas prepares for his first season as a Duck, he’s looking to build on the success he’s had at the NFL and college level. Douglas is prepared to bring the same energy and mindset that helped elevate his previous teams. 

"I'm gonna come to work every single day, bring positive energy to the building and give my all every single day I step in this building to the coaching staff and to the players," Douglas said. "So that ain't gonna change, regardless of what logo I have on back." 

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Olivia Cleary
OLIVIA CLEARY

Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department. This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.

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