Dan Lanning's Oregon lands commitment from Four-Star DL Josiah Sharma ahead of 2024 season: Reports

Four-star defensive lineman Josiah Sharma has announced his commitment to head coach Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks. The standout prospect from Folsom High School in California chose the Ducks over the Washington Huskies, Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas Longhorns.

Sharma initially pledged his commitment to the Huskies on New Year’s Day. But when the program's head coach, Kalen DeBoer, departed for the Crimson Tide, Sharma reconsidered his decision and announced his decommitment.

Sharma visited Eugene on June 14, following visits to Austin on June 7 and Tuscaloosa on June 21. Texas, having hosted him for both an unofficial visit in March and an official one in early June, was seen as a frontrunner in the race for his commitment.

However, the tide began to turn in favor of Oregon as national recruiting analysts increasingly predicted Sharma’s commitment to the Ducks and they ultimately won the race.

Josiah Sharma is now the second defensive lineman to commit to Oregon in this class, joining Matt Johnson. His commitment was part of a highly successful week for the program, which also secured four-star running back Jordon Davison and four-star cornerback Brandon Finney within the last few days.

With Sharma on board, the Ducks’ 2025 recruiting class now boasts twelve commitments, including Dallas Wilson, Cooper Perry, Isaiah Mozee, Dierre Hill, Davison, Akili Smith Jr., Ziyare Addison, Nasir Wyatt, Matthew Johnson, Finney and Demetri Manning.

Why did Josiah Sharma choose the Ducks?

Josiah Sharma received more than 20 offers and committed to the Ducks following official visits to several schools between April and June. But he decided to stay closer to home, prioritizing his long-term well-being and comfort, as he shared with Burnt Orange Nation:

“I just feel like I could get the same development from somewhere close to home, because I know that’s gonna affect me in the long run, being so far away from home.

“So if I can get that same development and get that same Southern treatment from the West, I feel like I should just stay in the West.”

Ranked as the No. 237 overall prospect in the 2025 class, Sharma is also recognized as the nation’s No. 18 defensive lineman and No. 23 recruit in California, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. 247 Sports lists him as the nation’s No. 39 defensive lineman and No. 41 recruit in California.

Josiah Sharma recorded 45 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss and five sacks in his junior season.