National Signing Day sometimes feels like national recruiting flip day, and that's certainly how it had to have felt for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks. In a thrilling turn of events, the Ducks managed to flip a pair of five-star prospects, making them the talk of the college football world.
The first flip of the day saw Oregon secure the commitment of a top-ranked prospect, who had previously been linked to a powerhouse program in the southeast. The news sent shockwaves through the recruiting community as insiders and fans alike scrambled to understand what had led to the sudden change of heart.
But Oregon was not done yet, as they pulled off an even more stunning coup when they landed the services of another highly-coveted five-star recruit. This young athlete, tipped by many to be a future superstar, had been at the center of a heated recruiting battle between several of the country's top programs.
The implications of these flips cannot be overstated. For Oregon, it represents a major coup and a significant boost to their future prospects. The Ducks' recruiting class has been elevated to among the best in the nation, and Lanning's reputation as a master recruiter has been cemented.
But for the teams that missed out on these top prospects, it's a very different story. Coaches across the country will be left ruing what might have been as they wonder how they let such talented young players slip through their fingers.
One thing is certain, however – National Signing Day will be a day to remember for Oregon fans. As the Ducks look to build on their recent success, these two five-star flips have set them up beautifully for the challenges that lie ahead.