Western Oregon inks stellar recruiting class

The world of college football has been turned upside down in recent years due to a head-spinning number of changes, Including NIL, conference realignment and the splitting of Signing Day into two parts — one in December and one in February.

In truth, those changes have led to a gigantic range of outcomes for programs big and small.

The Oregon Ducks draw significant praise for their ability to adapt, recruit and compete at the highest level.

But at the Division II level, few have done it better, locally, than Western Oregon.

Last year, Western Oregon was ranked inside the top-20 for the first time in recent memory and its season finale - a game that came down to the final play - became an unofficial “Lone Star Conference championship game.”

It was a remarkable season, and a sign that Western Oregon is making tremendous progress in the modern college football landscape.

But how would they follow it up on the recruiting trail? And could that success be channeled into the recruiting effort?

Turns out, the momentum kept on rolling.

The Wolves inked a 44-man class Wednesday, highlighted by 41 prospects from Oregon and Washington, an elite offensive line haul and several of the top “sleeper” playmakers in the region.

The offensive line group is particularly intriguing.

West Linn's Kalani Ioapo Kalani Ioapo 6'5" | 325 lbs | OL West Linn | 2026 State OR and Lake Oswego's Adam Williams Adam Williams 6'4" | 280 lbs | OL/DL Lake Oswego | 2026 State OR were both first-team all-state selection - with both being leaders of two of the best offensive lines in the entire state.

Ioapo still has FBS potential and could blossom into the gem of the class.

Williams was the tone-setter and emotional leader for what was one of the best offensive lines Oregon high school football has produced in several years, leading the Lakers to a state championship.

That duo alone would be worthy of praise. 

But it's the tip of the iceberg up front.

Lakeridge teammates Jaxon Barber Jaxon Barber 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Lakeridge | 2026 State OR (6-3, 335) and LJ Kyle LJ Kyle 6'3" | 280 lbs | OL/DL Lakeridge | 2026 State OR (6-2, 315) made up one of the best OL duos in the entire state until Barber got hurt midway through the season.

His injury dramatically changed things up front for the Pacers, and to say his absence was felt would be an understatement.

Western Oregon signing those two and keeping them together is a massive win, as either player could have been an FCS prospect in my book.

Nelson's Jackson Liepold Jackson Liepold 6'3" | 270 lbs | OL Nelson | 2026 State OR was a third-team all-state selection, while Cascade's Bryce May Bryce May 6'4" | 320 lbs | OL/DL Cascade | 2026 State OR (6-3, 350) and Montesano's Lucas Delgado (6-6, 290) bring plenty of size.

In truth, may of the aforementioned names carried FCS grades from Prep Redzone.

It's a stellar O-line group that could be the backbone of the program's success in the coming years.

But that's hardly the only highlight.

West Salem running back Keon Campos, North Salem athlete Jakai Phillips Jakai Phillips 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB/DB North Salem | 2026 State OR and two-way all-state playmaker Evan Wusstig Evan Wusstig 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH West Salem | 2026 State OR , out of West Salem, and Lakeridge defensive back Obama Shibo Obama Shibo 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Lakeridge | 2026 State OR all drew significant praise from Prep Redzone for their ability - with Wusstig being one of the state's biggest “sleepers” late into the process. 

All four could thrive at the Division 2 level, as could late addition (and Central Catholic standout) Tayton Promma-Harris Tayton Promma-Harris 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB/WR Central Catholic | 2026 State OR . 

Chiawana defensive lineman Brady Knowlton Brady Knowlton 6'2" | 300 lbs | DL Chiawana | 2026 State WA is perhaps the star of the front-seven class. 

The 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive lineman was the conference player of the year and earned Washington 4A first-team all-state honors.

Lakes defensive back Corey Irish Corey Irish 6'3" | 175 lbs | DB Lakes | 2026 State WA is another “steal” from the state of Washington.

The fluid 6-foot-3, 170-pound athlete could blossom into a star on defense as he adds strength and develops. 

While there weren't many non-Northwest signees, Western Oregon made those count. 

St. Vincent de Paul duo Gabe Casanovas (QB) and Mason Caturegli (RB) were two of the West Coast's most productive players. 

Not only were the backbone of a team that won back-to-back state titles under coach Trent Herzog, but Casanovas racked up more than 10,000 passing yards, while Caturegli ended his career just 4 touchdowns short of Najee Harris' all-time state record.

As a senior, the dynamic all-purpose weapon finished with 1,392 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns, good for third in the state of California. 

In total, it's an A+ class based on Prep Redzone's individual rankings, and is further evidence that Western Oregon is here to stay! 

It's vitally important to note that different levels land different caliber prospects.

Western Oregon will never sign a class that is better than FBS schools like Oregon or Oregon State.

There should almost always also be a sizable gap between FCS Portland State and Division II Western Oregon.

This class, for me, blurred those lines with several prospects.

And that's worthy of significant praise.