2026 4-star LB Tristan Phillips commits to Oregon: 'Oregon has it all'

Ventura (Calif.) four-star linebacker Tristan Phillips has committed to the Oregon Ducks. Dan Lanning‘s program beat Arizona State, Oklahoma, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin for Phillips’ commitment.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior didn’t plan to commit this early in the process, but as he took visits this fall and compared the different schools to each other, there was no comparison to the one in Eugene.

“Growing up, Oregon was a big school for me that I looked up to and watched a lot,” Phillips told On3. “I was rooting for Oregon as a kid, then as time went on and I got into high school football, the dream became reality.

“I got the offer, but I did my homework. My commitment didn’t happen because Oregon was my dream school. It was about how they recruited me, how they checked a lot of my boxes and what all they have to offer.

“Oregon has it all. What Oregon has to offer is unmatched. The training facility, the staff, the education – they have it all. What Oregon has as a whole and how they are building something special made me want to be a part of the program.”

Phillips is Oregon’s 8th commitment for the 2026 class.

Oregon is different in Phillips’ eyes

He saw games all over the country this season. Phillips had a top six, but when the decision was made, he picked the Ducks over Arizona State and Wisconsin.

It was a pretty easy decision.

“It is a brotherhood at Oregon,” Phillips said. “The vibe is different. The team is playing for each other. That helped pull me in. They work, they grind, they play hard and that is why I am going there. Oregon is different from other places.”

The atmosphere they play in is different too.

“I have been to games all over the country and there is no place like Oregon. Nowhere rocks like Oregon. I was at the Ohio State game and nothing matches it. The fan base is die hard and I love the environment. They have energy and passion and it is an amazing place. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Phillips made up his mind early in November

The plan was to take his recruitment into the spring or summer next year. The more Phillips got out, the more he saw Oregon was different. The decision was made earlier this month.

“I was at Oregon on Oct. 12, then I named my top 6 on Nov. 10,” Phillips said. “At that time, I did not expect to commit this soon. After taking a couple more visits and talking to my family, I made up my mind.

“I kept cards open, but I knew it. Oregon felt like home. How they recruited me, how I felt on visits and how nowhere else compared to it helped me make my mind up.”

Lanning, Tosh Lupoi, Brian Michalowski and Zac Diles were all involved with Phillips’ recruitment. He is excited about the future with this staff.

“My relationship with the staff pulled me in. It is very exciting that Oregon is the No. 1 team in the country, but that had nothing to do with my commitment. There was more to it and it started with the staff and the way they recruited me.”

Lanning is the leader.

“Coach Lanning is a great coach and person. I love his energy and he plays a role in the atmosphere around the program. His personality gets great players and coaches together in one place. That is why they are the best.”