Oregon’s 2026 football recruiting class has gained an exciting commitment in edge rusher Dutch Horisk, a standout from the Trinity League. Despite his somewhat unconventional frame for an edge rusher—standing 6’1.5″ and weighing 230 pounds—Horisk is already drawing comparisons to former Oregon great Nick Reed. In his sophomore season, Horisk was named Defensive Lineman of the Year in the Trinity League after putting up impressive numbers, including 11.5 sacks, 85 tackles, 5 pass breakups (PBUs), and 10 tackles for loss (TFLs). The TFLs are notable as they go beyond the sacks, showing his ability to disrupt plays in a variety of ways.
While Horisk has a slightly shorter and stockier build compared to prototypical edge rushers like Oregon’s past stars Kayvon Thibodeaux and Uiagalelei, his production and motor stand out. His 4-star rating on Rivals reflects his talent, though his 247 Sports Composite rating is a 3-star, possibly due to skepticism about his frame. Nevertheless, his versatility as a defensive end who can rush the passer, set the edge, and play with relentless energy gives him tremendous upside in the Ducks’ system.
Horisk’s build may not fit the typical blueprint for an elite edge rusher, but his instincts, ability to shed blockers, and ability to rush from various positions give him a high ceiling. Like Nick Reed, who thrived as a smaller but incredibly productive edge rusher for Oregon, Horisk’s motor and skill set could make him a valuable asset for the Ducks in the years to come. As he continues to develop, his combination of athleticism and production makes him one of the most intriguing recruits in the 2026 class.
