Oregon elite DL signee Aydin Breland sticks with Ducks despite late push from a mystery school

The University of Oregon had one of the strongest finishes in the 2024 football recruiting cycle. And it began by securing a commitment from Aydin Breland. 

The top 50 four-star recruit verbally committed to the Ducks on Oct. 14. Breland, a defensive line prospect out of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei chose Oregon over Georgia and Miami. His pledge was the first of a few big dominos to fall for the Ducks in this year’s recruiting cycle. 

Over the next 10 weeks, Oregon flipped elite EDGE Elijah Rushing from Arizona, top 60 standout wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan from Ohio State and top 130 four-star wide receiver Ryan Pellum from Southern California. The Ducks’ class ranks No. 4 in the country in the 2024 Industry Ranking Football Team Recruiting Rankings behind Georgia, Alabama and Texas.

All of Oregon’s action late in the cycle to improve its class has the 6-foot-4½, 300-pounder eager to finally get up to Eugene, Ore., to kick off his college career.

“A couple of them were already up there for the bowl game,” Breland told On3 after Tuesday’s final Under Armour All-America Game practice. “They’re telling us how it is, and I’m ready to be a part of it. I’m excited.”  

Breland will arrive at Oregon on Jan. 7 and begin his next chapter after a recruitment filled with storylines. 

The On3 Industry Ranking considers Breland the No. 46 overall player, No. 7 defensive lineman and No. 3 prospect in California in the 2024 recruiting class. Twenty-seven Power Five football programs offered scholarships to Breland. And a few tried to change his mind leading up to December’s National Signing Day.

“Miami was consistent,” Breland said. “Auburn was consistent too. That was the one that surprised me because I didn’t entertain much recruitment from them. But I mean, I give them props for trying.” 

Aydin Breland discusses choosing to play for Oregon over staying home at USC

Besides Oregon, Miami and Georgia, pundits linked USC to land Breland’s pledge at various points in his recruitment. However, the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 1 defensive lineman in California liked what he heard and saw from other schools compared to the Trojans.

“I feel like they kind of fell off as the season went on,” Breland said. “Their defense was not doing as well, and communication got a little rocky between them. Then, when I realized what I wanted, I didn’t see myself staying in California.” 

Breland said he chose Oregon because of the coaching staff, scenery and the fans. He highlighted the “great people and environment” the university had to offer. His Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) package from the Ducks is “the cherry on top.” 

“Everybody — all these schools — always hit me with the, ‘How much are they giving you? How much are they paying you?’” Breland said. “And honestly, that wasn’t anything I was worried about. 

“I was worried about making sure I had a good family feel with the school, getting developed at an NFL level, being able to vibe there with my personality, having a good relationship with my coaches and living comfortably.” 

Meanwhile, USC only signed two of the top 20 recruits in California: four-stars wide receiver Xavier Jordan and cornerback Marcelles Williams. Breland said the trend with in-state recruits has been to play away from home.

“USC just got the short end of the stick of me being a kid that wants to get out of California and grow and explore,” he said. “I feel like that’s a trend with us youngsters. That’s what we want to do. That’s the hot thing — to get out, explore and learn about yourself.”

And with his college football recruitment now complete, Breland is excited to get to Eugene to start piecing together a winning season for Oregon in 2024. 

“I’m trying to take things one step at a time,” he said. “I want to be a part of the Ducks. I want to contribute my part and get better day by day.”