Elijah Rushing, 5-star edge-rusher, decommits from Arizona; Oregon lurking

Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi attended Elijah Rushing's game Friday night

One of the nation's top prospects is back on the market.

On Sunday night, Salpointe Catholic (Arizona) five-star edge-rusher Elijah Rushing announced his decommitment from the Arizona Wildcats.

>>> Prediction: Where is Elijah Rushing headed? A leader is clear

"I would like to express my gratitude to the coaches and staff and the University of Arizona for the opportunity to be a Wildcat," he wrote. "As a hometown kid, my desire was to rep my city while becoming the best version of myself. I have taken into consideration the recent progress and strides the program has made. Although it is evident that the program is on the rise, I have to consider my future goal. I have come to the conclusion that the program is not the right fit for me to take the next step with regard to my development. I am, therefore, decommitting from the program."

Recruitment open again pic.twitter.com/mXQGJtdT9s

— Elijah Rushing (@elijah_rushing) October 9, 2023

The 6-foot-6, 251-pound defender is rated the nation's No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 edge-rusher.

And the timing is interesting.

Amid loud rumblings that Oregon was making a massive push to flip Rushing, defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi attended Rushing's game Friday night.

While Rushing stopped short of naming new contenders, the Ducks are going to immediately be considered the favorite to complete the flip. 

As a junior, the 6-foot-6, 251-pound registered 73 tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss and 11.5 sacks with four forced fumbles. 

Junior season highlights