Dan Lanning is aiming to build another elite recruiting class in the 2027 cycle. Oregon already has 11 commitments in that group and is actively working to land more blue-chip prospects.
Four-Star Defensive Back Junior James Praises Dan Lanning and Oregon
Four-star safety Junior James, also known as Junior Tu’upo, is fresh off his visit from Eugene. Lanning and Oregon clearly left a strong impression on the recruit.
“I had a great time in Oregon,” James said in a video uploaded by Larry Rudolph. “It looked like a spaceship down there, especially what they’re building. There are a lot of good things in Oregon. I think it’s beautiful campus, coached by really great coaches, especially coach Raymond…The great coaches are building a great thing.
“Obviously, this thing, you know, on the top like my other top five schools, they’re the first big team ever to offer me. So, you know, it means a lot to me that they identified my talent before anyone else did and gave me a chance.”
James recorded 66 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 7 pass breakups during his junior season in 2025, according to his X profile. He is currently ranked as the No. 22 safety in the 2027 class and the No. 11 player in Alabama, according to the 247Sports Composite. That level of production and ranking has made him a priority-level target for multiple Power Five programs.
If Oregon can land a player of his caliber, it would be a significant addition to a defense that finished last season with an 86.5 grade in the PFSN College Football Defense Impact Metric.
James also shared some personal thoughts about Lanning during the interview, describing him as someone who stood out to him beyond football.
“Dan Lanning is hilarious,” James said. “You know, I don’t know exactly how he looks on TV. It’s like a lot of other people, but like meeting him in person.
“He’s a hilarious coach and has a great personality. He’s a real family guy, you know, being around my family. I can see how much he loves his own me and my relationship with my family.”
James has Alabama, Auburn, Indiana, Oregon, and Texas in his top five. He plans to take official visits to each of those programs, with his next scheduled trip being to Oregon, before moving through the rest of his list. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Auburn currently holds the best odds to land his commitment at 33.1%, while Oregon sits fourth at 10.7%.
However, the momentum is quickly shifting in Oregon’s favor, as Lanning himself is actively recruiting James. Following his time in Eugene, James remains a priority target for Lanning and his staff.
