Oregon 4-star QB commit Akili Smith Jr. is ready to do 'big things' in Eugene
San Diego Lincoln four-star quarterback Akili Smith Jr. has been committed to Oregon for nearly eight months. He pledged to Dan Lanning and Co. at the end of July last year, helping kickstart the Ducks’ 2025 class.
As Smith prepares for his senior season of high school football, the legacy recruit’s commitment to the new Big Ten program is as strong as ever.
“I feel very comfortable with my decision,” Smith told On3’s Chad Simmons on Tuesday. “Coaches are always telling me how much they want me out there, making me feel like I’m at home with my decision. It’s a great thing to be committed this early.”
After taking multiple trips to Eugene last year, Smith has already returned for a Junior Day visit this year. He also recently set his official visit, which is set to come on June 21.
Smith’s relationships with Lanning, offensive coordinator and QBs coach Will Stein and the rest of the Oregon staff are solid. Being the son of former Ducks QB and NFL draft pick Akili Smith, Smith Jr. was always going to have a bond with Oregon in some way, shape or form. As he began his recruitment, though, he found that his own connections with the Ducks was plenty enough to lead him towards making an early commitment.
“My dad really didn’t have anything to do with my decision, honestly,” Smith said. “All of the coaches were just always on me, talking to me, making sure that I knew that they wanted me there. It was a family aspect kind of thing, it was just kind of like home when I went up there for my Junior Day.”
Smith ready to help Lanning build a dynasty in Eugene
Smith is the No. 79 overall prospect and No. 9 QB in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s one of five recruits currently pledged to the Ducks, as of March 19.
Flanked by the likes of Tampa Bay Tech four-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson and Pflugerville (Texas) Weiss four-star WR Adrian Wilson, Smith helps headline what’s currently the No. 6 class in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
“I’m just trying to learn the plays, get ready early so I can be ready for the following season that I early enroll. Also, I’m trying to recruit a little bit, trying to get some guys up there, make sure that I have some guys around me that can go to the highest level with me,” Smith said.
While he’s still got one season left at Lincoln High, Smith is itching to get to Eugene as an early enrollee and soak up knowledge from what’s set to be a loaded QB room. He sees Lanning’s vision and is ready to contribute to helping the Ducks reach the top of the mountain when the time comes.
“I think it’s going to be a dynasty for years to come. I’m super excited, it’s going to be great. We’re going to do big things at Oregon.”