Oregon Ducks commit Brandon Finney to Eugene amid rumors of Penn State coup

Four-star guard and Oregon Ducks commit Brandon Finney will visit Eugene as the Ducks have their bye week, giving the elite recruit the opportunity to spend some time with Oregon coach Dan Lanning and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi.

“The season ended and he turned his attention back to recruiting. Penn State has gained some momentum since he arrived on campus, but Oregon will have him back on campus this weekend, which is huge for them and their chances of keeping him in this class. Despite this visit, I still like Penn State’s stance on the four-star defensive end,” wrote Chad Simmons, On3’s director of recruiting.

Finney committed to the Oregon Ducks in June 2024 and immediately became one of the Ducks’ most valuable defensive recruits. However, he visited Penn State on October 5, and the Nittany Lions appeared to be leading the way in recruiting Finney.

Following his mid-season visit to Happy Valley, Finney gave an update to On3, sharing some thoughts on the recruitment process.

“I remain committed to Oregon,” Phinney told On3 after his visit. “I think it’s a good place, but I look at schools like Penn State.”

His return trip to Oregon gives the Ducks one last chance to solidify their position with Finney as the early signing period opens on Dec. 4. Since his visit to Penn State, rumors of a potential coup have swirled around Finney.

Finney is ranked as the nation’s No. 5 cornerback in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. The Maryland native is also the No. 39 ranked recruit regardless of position, according to the same rankings, and he is ranked on the verge of earning his fifth star.

Before his visit to Penn State, the elite guard also visited the Michigan Wolverines. However, the debate remains centered around the Ducks and Nittany Lions.

The early signing period begins Dec. 4, giving Phinney the opportunity to finalize his commitment and officially sign with the school of his choice. If Finney needs more time to decide between Oregon and Penn State, he could always wait until the second signing period in early 2025.