Scouting Report: Sam Ngata

 

Linebacker/Wide Receiver | Olympus HS (Utah) | Class of 2027
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
Ranking: 4★ | Top-30 LB nationally | No. 1 LB in Utah (Rivals)

Overview

Sam Ngata is a long, athletic linebacker prospect who is still early in his developmental curve but already brings an NFL-caliber physical foundation to the position. At 6-foot-3 with a lean 215-pound frame, Ngata looks the part of a modern second-level defender and has clear room to add strength without sacrificing mobility. His current rankings reflect projection rather than polish, but his upside is evident given his size, movement skills, and football background.

Ngata committed to Oregon after being offered in November following an in-person visit for the USC game, becoming the second pledge in the Ducks’ 2027 class alongside four-star defensive lineman Cam Pritchett.

Physical Traits & Athletic Profile

Ngata’s most defining trait is his frame. He carries his weight well, shows natural length, and has the body type to grow into a true three-down linebacker. He plays with noticeable speed for his size, allowing him to cover ground laterally and close downhill with authority. His explosiveness shows up when triggering downhill or finishing tackles, and he flashes the ability to break tackles when used offensively in limited reps.

He is not yet fully filled out, but that works in his favor long term. As his body matures, Ngata projects to add functional strength while maintaining the range that Oregon prioritizes at linebacker.

On-Field Skill Set

Ngata plays with physicality and confidence, leaning into contact rather than avoiding it. His size-speed combination allows him to be effective attacking gaps, scraping over the top, and finishing plays in space. He shows natural instincts around the ball and flashes positional versatility that could allow him to play multiple linebacker roles as he develops.

Technically, he is still refining his game. Like many early-cycle prospects, his reads and consistency will improve with reps, strength development, and higher-level coaching. The raw tools, however, are clearly present.

Fit at Oregon

Oregon’s linebacker profile under Dan Lanning emphasizes speed, adaptability, and length over bulk alone. Ngata fits that blueprint cleanly. He projects as a developmental linebacker who can eventually handle early downs while staying on the field in space, aligning with Oregon’s preference for flexibility at the second level.

Importantly, this commitment reinforces Oregon’s stance on legacy recruits. The Ducks have not offered or signed players solely on name recognition, and Ngata’s offer reflects genuine evaluation rather than sentiment. His commitment represents substance, not symbolism.

Recruiting Context

Ngata is ranked among the top prospects in Utah, a state that has quietly become a productive pipeline for Oregon in recent years. His pledge also provides early momentum for the 2027 class following Oregon’s No. 3-ranked 2026 class in the Rivals rankings. While some may frame this commitment as offsetting other recruiting outcomes, it stands on its own merit. Ngata is a long-term investment, not a short-term fix.

Intangibles

Ngata speaks openly about discipline, work ethic, and the influence of his family and coaches. His advice to aspiring athletes—“never settle”—aligns with his on-field approach. He plays with edge, draws inspiration from players like Junior Seau, and brings a competitive mindset shaped by growing up around high-level football.

Projection

Ngata projects as a high-upside developmental linebacker with the frame and athletic tools to become a multi-year contributor. His ceiling will be defined by physical development and technical refinement, but the foundation is strong. With time, strength, and coaching, he has the traits to grow into a versatile, three-down defender in Oregon’s system.

Overall: High-ceiling, early-cycle linebacker with prototype size, athletic upside, and a clean schematic fit.