Four-star interior offensive lineman Douglas Utu flipped his commitment from Tennessee to Oregon football, he announced on social media Thursday.

Four-Star Offensive Lineman Douglas Utu Flips Commitment from Tennessee to Oregon

In a major recruiting shift, four-star interior offensive lineman Douglas Utu announced on Thursday that he is flipping his commitment from the University of Tennessee to the University of Oregon. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas took to social media to share the news, expressing excitement about his future with the Ducks.

Utu had initially committed to Tennessee in June 2024, making him a key piece of the Volunteers’ 2025 recruiting class. His decision to flip, however, comes after recent visits to Oregon’s Eugene campus and communication with the Ducks’ coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach A’lique Terry and head coach Dan Lanning. Utu cited Oregon’s player development, strong offensive scheme, and overall program culture as primary factors in his decision.

“After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I have decided to decommit from Tennessee and commit to the University of Oregon,” Utu wrote in his announcement. “I want to thank Tennessee for believing in me and supporting me, but I feel like Oregon is the best fit for me, both athletically and academically.”

This marks a significant loss for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and his staff, who had been building a strong recruiting pipeline from schools like Bishop Gorman. Utu was viewed as a potential anchor for Tennessee’s offensive line in the future, and his decommitment now opens a gap in their 2025 class.

For Oregon, Utu’s decision is a major win as they continue to build a formidable recruiting class under Lanning. Known for his strength and versatility, Utu can play both guard and center, making him a valuable asset to the Ducks’ offensive line. His commitment bolsters Oregon’s reputation as a destination for top-tier offensive linemen, and Utu joins a growing list of blue-chip recruits who have chosen the Ducks in recent years.

Recruiting analysts have pointed to Oregon’s strong West Coast presence and growing national profile as key reasons for Utu’s change of heart. The Ducks have consistently been in the mix for top recruits under Lanning, and Utu’s flip further strengthens their position as a powerhouse in the Pac-12.

With Utu’s commitment now secured, Oregon looks to continue its recruiting momentum as they build toward the 2025 season, while Tennessee will need to regroup and refocus on filling the void left by his departure.