Oregon’s 2027 recruiting class has vaulted to a national No. 3 spot in the 247Sports rankings, trailing only Notre Dame and Texas A&M. The Ducks’ defensive backfield received a major boost this week with the commitments of four-star prospects Tae Walden Jr. and Hayden Stepp.
Commitments and Rankings
Tae Walden Jr., a 6‑foot‑2 safety from Collierville, Tennessee, arrives with a résumé that includes five interceptions, 17 pass break‑ups and 28 tackles as a junior. Ranked No. 56 nationally and the third‑best prospect from Tennessee, he chose Oregon over a host of elite programs.
Hayden Stepp, a 6‑foot‑0 cornerback out of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, brings a different skill set. His junior season yielded 24 tackles and four PBUs, and he finishes his prep career with 58 tackles, 12 PBUs and three interceptions. The No. 61 overall recruit and top player in Nevada, Stepp also cited the Ducks’ coaching staff and recent defensive upgrades as decisive factors.
The early signing period for the 2027 class opens on Dec. 16 and runs through Dec. 18, with National Signing Day slated for Feb. 3, 2027. Both players will sign during that window, cementing Oregon’s defensive backfield for the next recruiting cycle.
Erik Walden, the father of Tae Walden Jr., was a two‑time all‑Sun Belt selection at Middle Tennessee State and enjoyed a 10‑year NFL career. His pedigree adds a family narrative that resonates with Oregon’s recruiting staff, who see the younger Walden as a continuation of a football lineage.
The commitments bring Oregon’s defensive back pledge total to five for the 2027 cycle, underscoring a strategic focus on secondary depth. With both players ranked among the nation’s top 60 prospects, the Ducks’ class now stands as one of the most competitive in the Pac‑12, positioning the program for a strong defensive outlook in the coming years.