Are the Oregon Ducks at Risk of Losing Five-Star Commitment Brandon Finney to Penn State? Potential Flip Ahead
The Oregon Ducks are facing a significant challenge as they risk losing their five-star commitment from cornerback Brandon Finney. This highly-rated athlete, who is a key prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, initially pledged his allegiance to Oregon in June. However, recent developments suggest that Penn State has been gaining momentum in its pursuit of Finney, creating a competitive atmosphere for his commitment.
Brandon Finney’s Profile and Potential
Brandon Finney is a standout cornerback from Owings Mills, Maryland, measuring 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 185 pounds. As a five-star recruit, he is currently ranked as the fifth-best cornerback in the 2025 class by 247Sports. His impressive athletic profile includes notable performances, particularly highlighted by his elite athleticism showcased at various camps and showcases.
Hudson Standish, a national analyst for 247Sports, has evaluated Finney’s skill set and believes he possesses the physical attributes necessary to excel at the collegiate level and beyond. “Finney is an ascending cornerback prospect who has demonstrated elite athleticism for his position, including a nearly 11-foot broad jump, which topped the results in the 2024 Under Armor camp series,” Standish remarked. This combination of height, weight, and athletic ability allows Finney to excel in press coverage while also possessing the technical skills required for effective off-man and zone coverage.
Finney’s potential does not stop at the college level; Standish foresees a bright future for him in the NFL. “Based on his exposure at the UA Baltimore camp and his junior highlights, we believe Finney could play as a boundary or field corner in the next level,” he stated. “He projects as a multi-year impact player and special teams contributor for a Top 25 program, with significant NFL upside.”
Finney’s skill set has drawn comparisons to former NFL players, including Byron Jones, a first-round draft pick in 2015 who was named to the Pro Bowl and earned 2nd-Team All-Pro honors. Such comparisons underscore the high expectations for Finney’s development and his potential to make a substantial impact on the field.
Commitment to Oregon and Interest in Penn State
Despite his commitment to Oregon, Finney has made it clear that he is keeping his options open. During a recent visit to Oregon for the Ohio State game on October 12, he reiterated his commitment but acknowledged his interest in exploring other programs. “I’m still committed to Oregon,” Finney told On3 after the visit. “I feel like it’s a good place, but I am looking at schools like Penn State.”
This statement is undoubtedly concerning for Oregon fans and coaches alike. Penn State’s interest in Finney is particularly noteworthy because the university is geographically closer to his hometown and high school compared to Oregon, which is located across the country. This proximity could play a significant role in Finney’s final decision, as he may prefer to stay closer to home during his college years.
Finney’s recent visit to Penn State for a home game further intensified the speculation surrounding his commitment. Experiencing the atmosphere and culture at Penn State may have left a lasting impression on him, making it more difficult for him to dismiss the idea of flipping his commitment.
The Stakes for Oregon
The stakes for Oregon are high as they work to retain Finney’s commitment. Losing a player of his caliber would not only impact their recruiting class but also their defensive lineup in the coming years. Finney is seen as a cornerstone recruit who could significantly contribute to the team’s success. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary and his projected NFL potential make him a prized asset for any program.
Furthermore, the dynamics of college football recruiting are evolving, with athletes increasingly open to exploring their options even after making a verbal commitment. The case of Finney serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of recruiting, where circumstances can change rapidly based on visits, coaching changes, and program performance.
The Prediction for Finney’s Future
The On3 prediction machine currently gives Penn State a substantial 90.2% chance of flipping Finney from Oregon. This statistic reflects the growing momentum that the Nittany Lions have gained in their pursuit of the talented cornerback. If Finney decides to make the switch, it could send shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape.
As the early signing period approaches on December 4, Finney’s decision will likely come into sharper focus. The timeline will be critical for both Oregon and Penn State as they await his final choice. Coaches and fans will be anxiously watching to see whether Finney remains loyal to his commitment to Oregon or opts to join the ranks of the Nittany Lions.
Conclusion
Brandon Finney’s recruitment highlights the competitive nature of college football, where programs are in a constant battle for top talent. The Oregon Ducks must work diligently to solidify their relationship with Finney and address any concerns that may arise from his interest in Penn State. With the clock ticking down to the early signing period, every interaction and visit will play a crucial role in determining where Finney will ultimately play college football. As fans and analysts alike continue to speculate about his future, the outcome of this recruitment will have significant implications for both programs involved.
