On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Oregon closing the gap for 4-star QB Michael Van Buren

Bowie (Md.) St. Frances Academy four-star quarterback Michael Van Buren announced a top three of Maryland, Oregon and Penn State on April 21. The Nittany Lions previously had a commanding lead for his commitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

That has changed, following expert predictions for the Ducks from On3’s Josh Newberg and Sam Spiegelman. Penn State is still in front for Van Buren’s pledge at 59.0%, but Oregon is not far behind at 37.5%.

“There are only three teams alive in the Michael Van Buren sweepstakes, but there seems to be a trend developing with the out-of-state schools moving ahead,” Spiegelman said. “Maryland’s Mike Locksley is aiming to make Van Buren the face of the Terps’ 2024 class, but the sense is that Penn State and Oregon are in prime spots to close with one of the nation’s best uncommitted passers.

“This weekend, Oregon will get Van Buren on campus for the Ducks’ star-studded spring game. It’s a massive opportunity for Dan Lanning and Will Stein ahead of what should be a summer decision.”

Van Buren is the No. 181 overall prospect and No. 17 quarterback in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 5 player in Maryland.

For more Oregon recruiting intel, check out Scoop Duck.

Oregon is still searching for its 2024 quarterback

Oregon has yet to add a quarterback to its 2024 recruiting class. In addition to Van Buren, the Ducks are also recruiting signal-callers such as Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle Five-Star Plus+ Dylan Raiola and Phoenix (Ariz.) Sunnyslope three-star Luke Moga.

The RPM gives the Ducks a 95.0% chance to land Moga. He was scheduled to commit on April 28, but recently announced that he is pushing back his decision.

Regarding Van Buren, his upcoming trip to Eugene will be the second of the month. The 5-foot-11.5, 185-pound signal-caller also visited Oregon on the weekend of April 15.

“What stands out about Oregon for me is my relationship with the coaching staff and the great people they have in the building,” Van Buren told On3’s Chad Simmons on April 21. “Everyone there always has high energy, shows a lot of love and really care about each other in the building. With coach Lanning, a big thing with him is family and that’s why he chose to go to Oregon.

“I also built a relationship with coach Stein when he got there and my mother finally got the chance to go up there and meet him in person. She really enjoyed that. Oregon also preaches that they’re one step from winning a national championship. They’ve been there and they feel like they can back and win it with me leading them there.”