Ducks Digest

Oregon Football Recruiting: Finalists For Top Linebacker Prospect, Visit Looms

Oregon Ducks football is a finalist for linebacker Gavin Nix. The 2025 recruit has narrowed his offers to Stanford, Miami, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon.

Olivia Cleary

IMG's Gavin Nix (6) tries to quiet the crowd after he was called for roughing the Lipscomb passer at Lipscomb's Reese Smith Football Field in Nashville, Tenn., Friday night, Aug. 18, 2023. IMG went on to win the game 35-10.
IMG's Gavin Nix (6) tries to quiet the crowd after he was called for roughing the Lipscomb passer at Lipscomb's Reese Smith Football Field in Nashville, Tenn., Friday night, Aug. 18, 2023. IMG went on to win the game 35-10. / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA
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The University of Oregon Ducks football program aims to build a strong recruiting class for 2025. Coach Dan Lanning and his staff are targeting one of the nation's top prospects, linebacker Gavin Nix.  

Nix, a 4-star standout from IMG Academy in Florida, revealed his final six schools Sunday: Stanford, Miami, Florida State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oregon. The Ducks will get their chance to impress Nix in person when he visits Eugene on June 14.  

Nix brings a unique set of skills to the field. His ability to make impactful plays has been evident since his high school career began at Lake Highland Prep. Nix continued to showcase his talents after transferring to IMG Academy during the winter break of his freshman season.   

The transfer proved to be successful. Last season at IMG, Nix recorded 42 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a sack in just eight games. He is also ranked as the No. 88 overall player in the nation.  

IMG's Gavin Nix (6) trips up Lipscomb's Micah Burton (15) after a catch at Lipscomb's Reese Smith Football Field in Nashville, Tenn., Friday night, Aug. 18, 2023. IMG went on to win the game 35-10.
IMG's Gavin Nix (6) trips up Lipscomb's Micah Burton (15) after a catch at Lipscomb's Reese Smith Football Field in Nashville, Tenn., Friday night, Aug. 18, 2023. IMG went on to win the game 35-10. / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA

Nix says his relationship with the coaching staff is a top priority in his commitment process. 

"The main thing is being compatible with the coach. Especially your position coach, these are the guys you're going to be around for the next three, four, or five years," Nix said. "Can I wake up early and go through this hard process with these guys? Do I trust them to develop me to get me to this next step of my life?"  

Compatibility with coaches is not the only element Nix is factoring into his decision. NIL, academics, and overall opportunities the school offers also play a significant role in his decision.   

"What can I get out of this institution," Nix explained. "With NIL, with what the school has to offer, the opportunities you have to bring, the connections, all those things mean a lot because ball gets my foot in the door. It's not everything. Ball will end at the end of the day, so it's about what I can get out of that institution."  

Miami will be the first school to receive an official visit from Nix on June 7. He will then head to Oregon on June 14, followed by Florida State on June 21. With several top programs competing for his commitment, it will be interesting to see where Nix decides to take his talents.   

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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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