QUAAAACK: Prince Tavizon Commit Impact

 

Given the reclassification of EDGE Prince Tavizon, I decided to revisit his commit impact and scouting report articles with an updated take.

At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Tavizon already looks the part of a college-ready defender — and the early returns suggest he plays like one too. As a sophomore, he racked up 90 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and two forced fumbles in just 13 games — a level of production that speaks to both his physical traits and his tenacity.

Originally a 2027 prospect, Tavizon has reclassified to the class of 2026 and remains committed to Oregon. That decision adds even more significance to the Ducks' pursuit — and early investment — in a player who now accelerates his timeline by a full year.

Oregon has been recruiting Tavizon harder than anyone since the end of his sophomore season. Both Dan Lanning and Tosh Lupoi personally visited Lincoln High School in January, and Tavizon has since made multiple trips to Eugene, deepening his connection with the staff and the program.

“Oregon has been showing me a lot of love,” Tavizon said recently at the Long Beach Millikan Tournament of Champions. “Dan Lanning, coach Tosh (Lupoi), coach Kam Araghi, coach (Brian Michalowski). They’re out front for sure.”

That affection and attention helped Oregon secure his early commitment — beating out several national powers in the process, including USC, which made a major push last spring. Trojans defensive line coach Shaun Nua made a strong impression, and while Tavizon is still firmly in Oregon’s corner, the recruitment is far from over. With his reclassification now public, Tavizon is expected to take official visits this fall — including potential trips to USC, Texas A&M, and Texas.

Why It Matters

Tavizon isn’t just a physical specimen — though that’s certainly a big part of what makes him special. He plays with a rare mix of raw power, heavy hands, closing burst, and an unrelenting motor that shows up in both pass-rush and run defense. He’s the type of player who can overwhelm offensive tackles with brute strength or disengage and pursue ball carriers with suddenness and range. His length and physicality help him set a hard edge, while his twitch and finishing speed make him a backfield disruptor.

That versatility shows up in his positional usage too. As a sophomore, Tavizon lined up at both linebacker and defensive end. While Oregon envisions him primarily as an EDGE at the next level, he has the athleticism to drop into coverage situationally and affect the game in multiple ways.

“I play both,” Tavizon said. “This year mainly linebacker, but they said when I get to college, d-end. I told them I could drop back in coverage, too.”

From a recruiting standpoint, Tavizon’s reclassification means Oregon now has a top-tier defensive cornerstone in the 2026 cycle — a class in which the Ducks plan to be especially aggressive on the national stage. He’s ranked No. 45 overall in the 2027 class and the No. 18 EDGE according to Rivals (pre-reclassification). On3 ranks him No. 123 nationally, and his stock continues to rise after a dominant sophomore campaign.

Tavizon hails from a Lincoln program that consistently produces FBS prospects, but local analysts say he might be the best to come through there in a decade. That’s not a small claim — and Oregon made sure not to leave anything to chance.

What’s Next

Although Tavizon remains committed to Oregon, his reclassification to 2026 has opened up a new window for visits and further evaluation. He is now expected to take official visits this fall — with USC, Texas A&M, and Texas among the schools still pushing for in-person looks. Those trips haven’t been finalized yet, but there’s clear mutual interest from multiple Power Four programs hoping to get back in the mix.

That said, Oregon continues to hold the edge — not just on the football side, but in something deeper.

Tavizon has fallen in love with the entire Oregon environment. From the program’s culture under Dan Lanning, to his relationships with Lupoi, Michalowski, and the rest of the staff, to the actual vibe of Eugene itself — the green landscapes, the trees, the air, and the natural beauty surrounding the program — all of it left a lasting impression during multiple visits this spring.

That feeling of familiarity is reinforced by his ties to the roster. 2025 Oregon signee and quarterback Akili Smith Jr. is a former Lincoln High School teammate, and that connection adds another layer of comfort as Tavizon continues to navigate the next phase of his recruiting process.

Yes, other schools will continue to make a push — and official visits will bring fresh perspectives. But Oregon checked more boxes — and did it earlier — than anyone else. And that still matters.

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