In what’s being called the biggest NIL move in recruiting history, the Oregon Ducks have signed Jaxon Riddell, the nation’s No. 1 high school quarterback, to a three-year, $2 million NIL agreement. That’s right — the Ducks didn’t just land an elite talent, they rewrote the rules of recruiting in the modern era.
Riddell, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat star from Allen, Texas, chose Oregon over offers from traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. And while the numbers in the deal are jaw-dropping, the quarterback made it clear this decision wasn’t just about cash.
“This is about legacy,” Riddell said. “Oregon offered me more than a deal — they gave me a platform to grow, lead, and win.”
The three-year NIL package includes not just guaranteed income, but bonuses for academic performance, leadership initiatives, and athletic success. Riddell will also debut a personal brand, QB1 Riddell, launching his own line of merchandise and media appearances through Oregon’s cutting-edge Oregon Impact NIL program.
Last season, Riddell threw for over 4,100 yards and 43 touchdowns, adding another 700+ yards on the ground. With his arm strength, leadership, and dual-threat ability, some analysts are already calling him a future first-round pick.
But the real story? Oregon is leading the charge into a new era of college football. This move tells elite recruits nationwide that if you want to compete at the highest level, you don’t have to go through Tuscaloosa or Athens anymore. You can go through Eugene.
“Oregon isn’t chasing tradition,” said one recruiting analyst. “They’re building a new one — and Riddell is the face of it.”
Fans are already dreaming of Riddell under center in Autzen Stadium, and social media is buzzing with predictions of Pac-12 titles and Heisman campaigns. One thing is clear: the Jaxon Riddell era has begun, and the Ducks are officially in the fast lane of the NIL revolution.