On National Signing Day, surprises abound, and decisions often hang in the balance until the ink dries. For the Oregon Ducks, the day brought both triumphs and near-misses. While the Ducks celebrated flipping two coveted 5-star recruits and climbing to No. 2 in the national recruiting rankings, they also fell short in securing the commitment of Linkon Cure, the nation’s No. 2 tight end.
Cure, a Kansas native and longtime Kansas State commit, visited Oregon last weekend, fueling speculation about a potential flip to the Ducks. The rumors gained traction after Cure admitted on On3’s National Signing Day show that he seriously considered changing his commitment. “Leaving Oregon, there were a lot of rumors about my decision,” Cure shared. “Honestly, I thought about it all night. I even had a graphic made.”
However, Cure ultimately reaffirmed his pledge to Kansas State, citing his values and the thoroughness of his recruiting process. “I reminded myself of what I committed to and what mattered most to me as a person and a player,” he explained. Despite coming tantalizingly close to flipping, Cure remained loyal to his home-state team.
While Cure’s decision stings, Oregon’s National Signing Day success remains monumental. The Ducks continue to push for the top recruiting class in the nation, with high-profile targets still in play. Under head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have demonstrated their ability to attract elite talent, solidifying their status as a recruiting powerhouse.
Though they missed out on Cure, the day underscores the unpredictability of recruiting and the relentless effort required to build a championship-caliber program. For Oregon, the focus now shifts to finishing strong and maximizing the talent they’ve already secured.
