Oregon's pursuit of nation's No. 1 CB Elbert Hill gathers momentum after key recruitment visit

The nation’s No. 1 cornerback, Elbert Hill, remains a key focus for Dan Lanning and Oregon. Ducks co-defensive coordinator Chris Hampton visited Hill on Thursday, and the prospect expressed his enthusiasm for the visit on social media, tagging Hampton and Oregon cornerbacks coach Rashad Wadood in his post.

"Thanks for coming to see me @Coach_CHampton @oregonfootball @CoachWadu," Hill tweeted.

Oregon’s 2026 recruiting class is stacked with 10 commitments, holding the No. 1 national ranking. This haul includes five top-100 recruits, led by five-star tight end Kendre Harrison, offensive tackle Kodi Greene and defensive lineman Tony Cumberland.

Adding Hill to this group would solidify Oregon’s class as one of the strongest in the nation, and the Ducks coaching staff is making the effort as well.

"Oregon is pushing for me very hard," Hill told On3. "Their message is to come join the squad and I like them a lot. I like the coaching staff at Oregon."

Besides Oregon, Hill's top 10 schools are Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan, UCLA, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M and USC. As of now, the Buckeyes are leading the race for his recruitment with an 81.5% chance of securing his commitment, according to On3.

Elbert Hill's father discusses Oregon's pitch in his recruitment

Elbert Hill is the No. 1 cornerback in the 2026 class and the No. 1 recruit in Ohio, according to On3. He took multiple visits to Eugene last year and feels like a top priority for the Ducks.

"Oregon has done a lot as far as recruiting him," Hill's father, Elbert III, told On3 "Oregon we talk to those guys if not every day, every other day. They already told us about the plan they would have for him. He told them his goals and what he's looking for in a school. We're just making sure everything aligns right as we're making this decision, it's a big decision."

Oregon secured commitments from four standout defensive backs in the 2025 class: Na’eem Offord, Brandon Finney, Trey McNutt and Dorian Brew. Adding Hill to the 2026 class would boost Oregon's reputation as a premier destination for elite secondary talent. If the Ducks can replicate the same success and secure Hill's commitment in the 2026 class, it will be another major recruiting win for them.