Football recruiting news: Highlights of the official visit include five-star defensive end Lamar Brown and outstanding edge Carter Meadows

Ducks Host Star-Studded Official Visit Weekend: Brown, Meadows Shine in Eugene

Last weekend, the Oregon Ducks rolled out the green carpet in Eugene for what might be the most anticipated official visit weekend of the 2025 recruiting cycle. Among the 15 prospects on campus, two names stood head and shoulders above the rest: five-star defensive end Lamar Brown and five-star EDGE rusher Carter Meadows. From facility tours and sit-down meetings to on-field workouts and community events, both prospects experienced first-hand what makes Eugene and Oregon’s program uniquely appealing. Here are the highlights:

Campus Arrival and Welcome Events

Warm Reception at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex
On Friday afternoon, Brown and Meadows arrived at Portland International Airport, greeted by Oregon’s recruiting staff and a handful of current Ducks players. They were whisked away in a convoy of branded SUVs to the state-of-the-art Hatfield-Dowlin Complex, where each was given a personalized locker and program swag bag. This facility, which opened in 2013, boasts cutting-edge meeting rooms, recovery pools, and one of the nation’s premier weight rooms—touchpoints Oregon emphasized to showcase its commitment to player development and health.

Coaches’ Dinner
That evening, head coach Dan Lanning and his defensive coordinator convened a private dinner in the facility’s glass-walled dining room overlooking campus. The intimate setting allowed Brown and Meadows to discuss Oregon’s defensive philosophy, NIL opportunities, and academic support. For Brown—ranked as the nation’s No. 1 athlete and top-rated defensive lineman—these conversations underscored the Ducks’ vision for his development at both the collegiate and professional levels . Meadows, meanwhile, probed coaches about their track record developing NFL-caliber edge rushers, an obvious pitch point given Oregon’s recent success in sending front-seven players to the next level .

Facility Tour: Where the Ducks Work

Walkthrough of Performance Labs
On Saturday morning, both prospects toured the Kilkenny Family Weight Room and the adjacent sports-science labs. There, they met with performance specialists who analyzed their 40-yard dash times, vertical jump metrics, and agility data using motion-capture technology. Brown, whose frame (6-5, 295 lbs) already draws comparisons to some of the game’s elite linemen, watched as video of his previous season was synced with lab data to illustrate areas for technical refinement .

Film Room Sessions
Inside the Ken Hatfield Wing, Brown and Meadows sat through detailed breakdowns of Oregon’s recent game film. Defensive line coach Don Pellum and outside-linebackers coach Nick Aliotti pointed out how each scheme and alignment could leverage Brown’s explosiveness off the snap and Meadows’ length and bend as a pass rusher. Meadows was particularly interested in how Oregon’s stunts and twists would allow him to hunt quarterbacks upfield, while Brown asked about run fits and gap assignments—confirming both recruits’ high football IQ.

On-Field Workouts: Ducks vs. Prospects

Position Drills and Competitive Matchups
After lunch, Brown and Meadows donned Ducks practice gear for a closed-door workout at Autzen Stadium. Brown partnered with Oregon’s second-team offensive linemen in one-on-one drills, showcasing his power moves and hand technique. In contrast, Meadows went against veteran Ducks offensive tackles, displaying the speed and arc rushes that have made him one of the nation’s top EDGE prospects .

“D-Line Gauntlet” Challenge
A highlight for onlookers was the “D-Line Gauntlet,” a timed event where prospects had to shed blocks and close in on the quarterback in less than four seconds. Meadows recorded the fastest time of the day, eliciting nods of approval from Oregon’s defensive staff. Brown, known for his combination of strength and athleticism, finished with the second-best mark, underscoring his versatility on both sides of the ball.

Meet the Team and Campus Life

Dormitory and Dining Hall Tours
Later Saturday, Brown and Meadows toured the residence halls and the global cuisine-themed dining facilities. Oregon made a point to introduce them to Wilkie’s Kitchen staff, highlighting meal plans tailored to athlete nutrition requirements. Since both recruits hail from the Southeast—Brown from Louisiana and Meadows from Washington, D.C.—the Ducks emphasized the spacious living quarters and support networks available, helping mitigate any homesickness concerns.

QB and WR Roundtable
In a change-of-pace gathering, the quarterbacks and wide receivers hosted Brown and Meadows for an informal Q&A about campus social life, classes, and community service initiatives. This session allowed the recruits to bond with potential future teammates and gain genuine insights into life off the field. For Brown, who balances two-way play in high school, this was a chance to project how he’d fit into Oregon’s tight-knit locker room. For Meadows, it underscored the camaraderie that makes Oregon football unique .

Community Engagement and Fan Events

Youth Camp Appearances
On Sunday morning, both recruits participated in a youth football clinic at Alton Baker Park. They coached local kids on basic tackling and pass-rushing techniques, showcasing leadership qualities and leaving a positive community impression. Brown’s larger-than-life persona resonated with the campers, while Meadows’ patience and attention to detail stood out—attributes Oregon hopes to see translate to campus leadership roles.

“Duck Frenzy” Fan Rally
That afternoon, the official visit culminated in a fan rally at the Matthew Knight Arena, where the recruits joined the Oregon cheerleaders and band for a pep rally. Surrounded by 2,000 students and fans, Brown and Meadows received the loudest ovation, demonstrating their drawing power and how they could energize the Autzen crowd for years to come.

Prospect Reflections and Next Steps

Lamar Brown’s Takeaways
Brown, who began his official-visit circuit with Miami before stops in Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU, reflected on Eugene’s standout features:

“The work ethic here is on another level. From the weight room to the film sessions, it’s clear Oregon invests in its players every day. I could see myself growing both on and off the field here.”

Given Brown’s evident connection with defensive coaches—echoing comments he’s made about relationships being pivotal in his decision process—it seems Oregon made a strong impression.

Carter Meadows’ Perspective
Meadows, meanwhile, is pacing his recruitment carefully, planning four total official visits before making a commitment. He summarized his experience:

“Coming here, you feel the energy. The defensive scheme fits my style—fast, aggressive, and filled with opportunities to rush the passer. I’m halfway through my visits and excited to see where it goes.”

With official visits to Michigan and Ohio State on the horizon, Oregon will need to leverage the momentum from this weekend’s success.

What This Means for Oregon’s Class of 2026

Landing recruits of Brown and Meadows’ caliber would vault Oregon’s 2026 class into national championship contention territory. Currently, Oregon boasts a top-10 ranking in most recruiting services, but securing a top defensive lineman and an elite EDGE rusher in one weekend could propel them even higher. Furthermore, this visit weekend underscores Oregon’s commitment to maintaining excellence on the defensive front—a priority emphasized by head coach Dan Lanning in recent press conferences.

As Brown and Meadows continue their official visits in the coming weeks, the Ducks will be in wait-and-see mode, but they’ve undeniably set the bar high with this star-studded weekend. Eugene’s electric atmosphere, cutting-edge facilities, and fervent fan base combined to create a recruiting experience that will be hard to match. For now, Oregon is squarely in the mix for two of the nation’s top 10 prospects—an enviable position as they aim to continue their rise in the college football landscape.