Son of former Oregon star commits to Ducks: ‘The best option for me’

The Oregon Ducks have landed a commitment from 2025 quarterback Akili Smith Jr., the son of former Oregon star Akili Smith, who was selected with the third overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft.

Smith Jr. is out of San Diego and is the fifth-ranked quarterback in the 247 Sports 2025 class.

The Oregon Duck mascot strains to complete 77 pushups after Oregon's final score of the game... — The Oregon Duck mascot strains to complete 77 pushups after Oregon's final score of the game against Southern Utah in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Eugene, Ore. The Ducks won the game 77-21. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)(Chris Pietsch | AP)

“I’ve always wanted to go to Oregon,” Smith Jr. said, according to 247 Sports. “Ever since I was young, that’s all my dad had me wearing, Oregon gear and watching Oregon football.

“Saying all that, it was still a business decision for me, and my dad really didn’t push me to pick Oregon. He wanted this to be my decision, and I looked at a few other schools really hard. When I evaluated everyone equally, Oregon was the best option for me.”

Smith Jr.’s father was the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 1998, leading the Ducks to an 8-4 record before being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Oregon defensive back Darren Barkins uses his helmet to hold his mouth guard before an NCAA... — Oregon defensive back Darren Barkins uses his helmet to hold his mouth guard before an NCAA college football game against California in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)(Godofredo A. Vásquez | AP)

Smith Jr. is the fourth commitment in the 2025 class for second-year head coach Dan Lanning.

Lanning, who led Oregon to a 10-3 record in 2022, found himself in the news Monday due to his comments on the University of Colorado’s move to the Big 12.

The Buffaloes announced last week that the 2023-24 season will be Colorado’s last in the Pac-12 conference. The Buffaloes are heading back to the Big 12 for the 2024-25 academic year.

Lanning took a parting shot at the Buffs as they prepare for their final season in the Pac-12.

FILE - Oregon head coach Dan Lanning speaks during Pac-12 Conference men's NCAA college... — FILE - Oregon head coach Dan Lanning speaks during Pac-12 Conference men's NCAA college football media day Friday, July 29, 2022, in Los Angeles. Oregon first-year coach Lanning isn't dropping any clues about his starting quarterback this season. Fall camp has been a battle behind closed doors between transfer Bo Nix, redshirt freshmen Ty Thompson and Jay Butterfield. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)(Damian Dovarganes | AP)

“Not a big reaction,” Lanning said Monday. “I’m trying to remember what they won to affect this conference, and I don’t remember. Do you remember them winning anything? I don’t remember them winning anything.”

The Ducks open the 2023 season against Portland State Sept. 2.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report