Dan Lanning details process of continued recruitment on Jeremiah McClellan

Oregon flipped Jeremiah McClellan from Ohio State on signing day — adding to Oregon’s already stacked 2024 recruiting class.

Ducks head coach Dan Lanning never gave up on landing McClellan’s commitment and his persistence paid off, he told On3’s Andy Staples on Wednesday.

“I still remember the day that he committed somewhere else,” Lanning told Staples. “I remember asking him, ‘Hey, are you comfortable with me continuing to talk to you? Because I still think this is the best place for you.’ And ever since that moment, that communication has continued to happen with everyone on our staff.

“That’s the thing. When you recognize a guy that you think can be a dynamic piece of what you’re doing — what you’re building — you don’t throw in the towel. You keep working, and that’s what we’ve done over the last several months.”

The Ducks helped their case during McClellan’s official visit back in September despite his verbal commitment to the Buckeyes in August. His visit coincided with Oregon’s 42-6 stomping of the then-undefeated Colorado Buffaloes, who were ranked No. 19 at the time.

In that game, Ducks wideout Troy Franklin went for 126 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions — something that might’ve caught McClellan’s eye at the time.

Not only that, but Oregon has now secured a transfer portal commitment from former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Gabriel to McClellan could be a connection that Oregon fans hear throughout the 2024 season, likely cushioning the deal for the blue-chip wideout to make the eventual flip. Regardless of how long it took him to come around, Lanning and staff have their star offensive weapon of the 2024 class.

Overall, McClellan is the No. 52 overall prospect and No. 13 WR in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 3 player in Missouri — and a huge get for the Oregon Ducks as they head into their first season in the Big Ten.

Oregon has the No. 6 recruiting class nationally as of this report, thanks in part to McClellan’s commitment. He is the Ducks’ third-highest rated recruit in the 2024 class behind EDGE Elijah Rushing (N0. 38 overall) and DL Aydin Breland (46). This also makes McClellan one of three incoming receivers coming to Oregon next season, joining Dillon Gresham and Jack Ressler. The class also ranks No. 2 in the Big Ten behind Ohio State’s No. 3 overall-ranked incoming class.