Oregon Four-star safety Trey McNutt announced his verbal commitment to the team on Saturday, which was big news.
The Cleveland (Ohio) Shaker Heights guard is the Ducks’ 15th known signee in the 2025 class. He is the third defensive back to be drafted, joining four-stars Dorian Blue and Brandon Finney.
McNutt is the latest elite prospect to join the Ducks. What all the prospects have in common is their belief that coach Dan Lanning’s program is evolving.
“Oregon, it’s about their staff as well. I mean, they have another elite staff,” McNutt said.
“Coach Lanning, Coach Vadue and Coach Hampton, they’re all elite. Their program is growing. You can see Oregon State rising up, especially getting into the Big Ten. They’ve got a great opportunity this year. .
The Ohio native spoke with opponents before deciding on Oregon State.
“If it’s Oregon, it’s because of the people there,” McNutt said. “The people out there, they’re nice to you. They give you a sense of family and they just make sure it’s real. Ultimately, they’re there to benefit them, but it’s not just their business. They Also want what’s best for you.
With Oregon entering the Big Ten, it will be important to continue recruiting from the Big Ten. These players fit the type of team Coach Lanning is building. But in the process, it also weakened a future opponent (Ohio State).
The Ducks get a versatile playmaker in McNutt. He’s on the verge of becoming a five-star player due to his elite skills, range from the deep and high upside.
He’s a safety but can definitely help Oregon State by playing cornerback.
National recruiting analyst Marshall Levenson was in Houston recently to watch McNutt practice with Fast Houston.
“McNutt certainly falls into the category of a ‘first-team’ prospect. He’s 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, but he’s much bigger with his athleticism and ability to move suddenly. At a recent practice, McNutt shows smooth footwork and great ball skills with a frame that could easily accommodate more quality at the next level and fill the mold of a true safety, with his moves in and out of breaks and smooth backs up like a cornerback. Then broke out. Demonstrated long-distance pursuit of the ball in the air, which was confirmed in the film.
“While he can move well close to the line, a center field safety role is likely where he belongs due to his ability to track the ball and either get downfield or cover the top of the defense and take the ball away.”
