Tosh Lupoi joined Dan Lanning’s first Oregon coaching staff as the Ducks’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach on January 10, 2022. Prior to coming to Eugene, Lupoi spent three seasons as a defensive line coach in the NFL.
“We want to play championship-level defense on a consistent basis, and Coach Lupoi is one of the very best defensive minds in the country,” Lanning said at the time of the hiring. “I am looking forward to seeing him work with student-athletes again after spending the last few seasons in the NFL, experience that will be very valuable for our program. I had the opportunity to work first-hand with Coach Lupoi at Alabama, where his tireless work ethic and coaching acumen set him apart as one of the game’s elite coaches while coordinating one of the top defenses in the nation. His familiarity with the West Coast and the Pac-12 also makes him a great fit here in Eugene. This is a very exciting hire for the Ducks.”
A native of Walnut Creek, Calif., Lupoi played defensive line at California before being hired to coach the position at the age of 26. He went on to coach in college at Washington before winning two national championships at Alabama. Lupoi spent one season as the defensive coordinator under Nick Saban and then coached NFL defensive lines for three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and Jaguars.
Oregon football currently boasts one of the top 2025 recruiting classes, ranking behind only three programs. However, this could change if the Ducks secure commitments from two five-star prospects this week.
Five-star defensive backs DJ Pickett from Zephyrhills, Florida, and Trey McNutt from Cleveland, Ohio, are set to announce their college choices this week, with the Ducks being strong contenders for both. Pickett will announce his decision on Wednesday, followed by McNutt at 3 PM PST on Friday.
Both recruits visited Oregon on June 21 for the final official visitor weekend. No crystal ball predictions have been made for either prospect. Pickett is choosing between LSU, Miami, and Oregon, while McNutt is considering Florida, Ohio State, Oregon, USC, and Texas A&M.
Oregon has already secured a commitment from five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore, leading the nation’s fourth-ranked class. Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia currently rank above Oregon in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings. If the Ducks land both Pickett and McNutt, they could surpass Georgia and claim the third spot.
“Pickett is a tall, lanky two-way playmaker with notable foot speed and ball production. While his size and weight haven’t been recently verified, his length is evident on tape. He projects best as a field corner or a deep safety, excelling in taking away throwing windows and roaming over the top.
Pickett recorded four interceptions as a sophomore and had a pick-six early in his junior season. He shows an ability to close gaps quickly with elite burst and takes sharp angles in run support.
With reach to match large tight ends and perimeter targets, Pickett must improve his open-field tackling and add some mass. He is viewed as a potential impact player at the Power Five level due to his range, ability to generate takeaways, and multi-sport background, including being a district champion in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and long jump as a 10th grader. Most schools see him as a back-seven defender on Saturdays, though he could also play wide receiver.”
“McNutt is a track athlete who brings his speed to the football field, excelling as a high school receiver with skills that translate to defense. He’s played both safety and corner, showing the ability to support the run and deliver strong tackles. McNutt takes good angles and can drive through contact rather than just dragging down opponents. He has the versatility to play free safety, nickel, or move around in a defense, with adequate size and length. While not elite in physical size, McNutt’s playmaking ability and toughness make him valuable wherever he plays.
Oregon football is on the brink of potentially strengthening its 2025 recruiting class significantly with the additions of DJ Pickett and Trey McNutt. These talented prospects bring diverse skill sets and athletic prowess that align well with the Ducks’ strategic goals on the field. Should they choose Oregon, it could propel the program higher in the national recruiting rankings, underscoring the team’s growing reputation for attracting top-tier talent from across the country.
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