Utah beats out Oregon and USC to keep four-star OT Aaron Dunn home

Spanish Fork (Utah) High On3 Industry four-star offensive tackle Aaron Dunn has announced his decision to stay home and play for the Utes.

The 6-foot-7 1/2, 288-pound Dunn chose to play for head coach Kyle Whittingham and Utah over his other finalists in Oregon and USC.

“An elite program,” Dunn told On3. “Love the coaches. Bonded with the players. 

“I’m fired up to play elite football right in my backyard.”

A huge recruiting win for the Utes

Dunn is tabbed by the On3 Industry as the nation’s No. 19 offensive tackle and No. 230 prospect overall. He is the No. 2 player in the state. He has been on campus several times including his official visit the weekend of June 14.

Offensive line coach Jim Harding led the charge in recruiting Dunn.

“Coach Harding he’s done a great job putting guys in the league and developling players that are just good men,” Dunn said. “I’m really excited.”

Whittingham and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig were also a factor.

“Coach Lud, Coach Whitt, they’re definitely an experienced staff that knows what they’re doing and I’d love to be part of their offense.”

This recruitment came down to the wire

Dunn’s father Greg told On3 it was a “tough decision with a lot of back and forth.” He spoke highly of Utah on Wednesday evening.

“Just phenomenal and same thing as far as coaching,” the elder Dunn said. “Nobody has better coaching continuity. 

“Coach Whittingham has been there 20 years. The OC has a lot of years there Andy Ludwig. Coach (Jim) Harding has been there 12 years as the offensive line coach. That has to be a record in college football right now. He’s a great man. Utah is close to home. Easy for lots of family and friends to get to games. If you do well, you can be a hometown hero. They have good tradition and they’re poised to do very well in the Big 12 if they stay healthy.”

Utah is up to 17 commits in the 2025 class. Dunn is one of the class jewels alongside linebacker Christian Thatcher and quarterback Wyatt Becker. He also considered BYU and UCLA.