The college sports world was rocked on Saturday as five-star multisport standout Kendre’ Harrison, the No. 6 overall prospect in the class of 2026, announced his commitment to the University of Oregon to play both football and basketball for the Ducks. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound phenom from Reidsville, North Carolina instantly becomes the crown jewel of Oregon’s already impressive 2026 recruiting hauls on the gridiron and hardwood.
Harrison, who is rated as the nation’s top tight end prospect and No. 8 power forward in the junior class by ESPN, chose Oregon over a who’s who of college football and basketball royalty, including Tennessee, North Carolina, Miami, Penn State and Florida State. The dynamic two-sport star forged a close bond with Oregon football coach Dan Lanning and hoops coach Dana Altman on multiple visits to Eugene, most recently for the Ducks’ thrilling win over Ohio State in October.
A Rare Two-Sport Talent
Few high school athletes in any class have the pure talent and physical tools to excel at the highest levels of two sports, but Harrison is a rare breed. On the football field, his elite size, strength and ball skills make him a matchup nightmare as a pass-catching tight end and red zone target. He has the potential to be an instant impact player and future All-American for the Ducks.
On the basketball court, Harrison is a powerful force on the low block, using his sturdy frame and explosive athleticism to bully opponents and finish through contact. He also has a developing face-up game and is a tenacious rebounder and shot-blocker. Many analysts believe he has NBA upside if he focuses on hoops at the next level.
Lanning, Altman Land a Program-Changer
By landing a talent of Harrison’s caliber, Oregon football coach Dan Lanning and basketball coach Dana Altman proved why they are two of the top recruiters in college sports. Both coaches made Harrison a top priority, investing the time to build strong relationships with him and his family.
“The relationship I’ve built with the school is good. I trust them. My family trusts them. They did the little things in the recruitment that mattered,” Harrison told ESPN, noting the support Oregon showed him after the recent loss of his grandmother.
Harrison is set to join an Oregon football class ranked No. 6 in the country by ESPN. He’ll team up with fellow blue-chippers like four-star RB Tradarian Ball, four-star QB Jonas Williams and five-star OT Kodi Greene to form a potent offensive nucleus for the Ducks.
A Busy Future Balancing Two Sports
While Harrison has the raw talent to be a superstar in either football or basketball, trying to juggle both at a Power 5 program will be a monumental challenge. He’ll face brutally long days, intense physical demands and high expectations in two high-profile sports. Few athletes in recent memory have successfully managed that two-sport tightrope (UCLA’s Kyler Murray is a rare example).
But if anyone has the physical tools and competitive makeup to be a dual-sport star, it’s Harrison. He’ll have strong support from the Oregon coaching staffs and top-notch facilities and training resources to manage the grind.
“I feel like I’m going to be developed there. I’ve got two really great coaching staffs. I’m excited and I’m ready to get to work,” Harrison said of his future at Oregon.
The Ducks faithful are no doubt ecstatic to land a prospect of Harrison’s immense talent and star power. He has the ability to be a game-changer in two sports and elevate the national profile of Oregon football and basketball. His commitment is a huge win for an Oregon athletics program already riding high, with the football squad capping a 10-win season and the hoops team a trendy preseason top-10 pick.
Harrison plans to sign with Oregon football on Wednesday when the early signing period opens. He’ll then shift his focus to leading Reidsville High on the hardwood as he aims for back-to-back state titles. When he arrives in Eugene next summer, a fascinating new chapter begins – one that could be historically significant if Harrison reaches his incredible ceiling in both sports.
