Oregon gaining traction as 'new leader' for 2028 QB Tristin Gaines

The Oregon Ducks are exploring their options at quarterback in the 2028 class, looking to one of the best passers in Texas as the recruiting cycle heats up.

The Ducks will host four-star quarterback Tristin Gaines on Oct. 10 in Eugene when Oregon plays UCLA. Gaines is the No. 8 quarterback in the class and No. 86 overall. While the Ducks have been linked closely to Josiah Boyd, the No. 2 quarterback in the 2028 class, Gaines has become an important option as well.

Gaines told Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman (subscription required) that Oregon is recruiting him the hardest right now, leading Spiegelman to declare the Ducks as the new leader in the race. Gaines also has visits to Texas Tech and Michigan set for the fall.

Oregon has also been viewed as the leader for Boyd, who will visit for the Ducks’ Friday night contest against Portland State on Sept. 18. The Ducks will likely pursue both Boyd and Gaines, especially with more than a year until either is set to sign with a program. Oregon also holds a commitment from 2027 quarterback Will Mencl.

NEW: A new leader has emerged for 2028 4-star QB Tristin Gaines, @samspiegs reports👀

Gaines is expected to have a busy fall exploring contenders.

Intel: https://t.co/VP8LF2rgh2pic.twitter.com/hFXHcdjtqv

— Rivals (@Rivals) August 13, 2026

Gaines visited Eugene in the offseason and even received a visit from Oregon quarterbacks coach Koa Ka’ai. Since he is in constant contact with the coaching staff, Gaines is emerging as a bigger priority in the class, and he could visit multiple times this season.

The signal-caller from Waller, Texas, is a dual-threat under center, passing for 2,016 yards and 22 touchdowns as a sophomore while rushing for 542 yards and nine more scores. Gaines is also a star on the baseball diamond, winning a pair of gold medals with USA Baseball.

Oregon’s schedule for game day visits in the 2028 class is beginning to fill up. Gaines will be in Eugene alongside fellow Oregon targets in the 2028 class, including four-star receiver Jayce Halasz and five-star edge rusher Kameron McGee.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon gaining traction as ‘new leader’ for 2028 QB Tristin Gaines