Breaking News: Alabama Stuns Rivals by Signing 5-Star Oregon Standout for 2025
In a recruiting move that has sent shockwaves across the college football landscape, the University of Alabama has officially signed 5-star athlete Malik “Flash” Dunbar, a standout from Oregon previously committed to the University of Oregon Ducks. The news broke early this morning, and within minutes, social media was ablaze as fans and analysts tried to make sense of what many are calling one of the biggest flips of the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Dunbar, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound wide receiver and kick returner from Portland’s Jefferson High School, had long been considered the crown jewel of Oregon’s 2025 class. Rated as the No. 3 wide receiver in the nation and the top prospect out of Oregon, Dunbar had given a verbal commitment to the Ducks last year, and most believed it was a done deal. His speed, elite route-running, and electric playmaking ability made him a natural fit for Oregon’s high-octane offense.
But things changed dramatically over the past month.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees had been quietly recruiting Dunbar since early June, making several low-profile visits and keeping communication under wraps. While Oregon maintained confidence in keeping their star pledge, Alabama’s persistence and the allure of SEC football ultimately swayed the young phenom.
In a statement posted to his social media this morning, Dunbar wrote:
“After deep reflection with my family and faith, I’ve decided to flip my commitment and officially sign with the University of Alabama. This was not an easy decision, but I believe Tuscaloosa is where I’ll become the best version of myself—on and off the field. I’ll always have love for Oregon, but this is my path.”
The reaction from the Alabama fanbase has been explosive. With the Crimson Tide coming off a strong 2024 season and showing no signs of slowing down, this acquisition signals a renewed push to reclaim dominance in recruiting battles, especially in traditionally non-SEC territories.
“This is a massive win,” said 247Sports analyst Brandon Holloway. “To pull a top West Coast talent all the way to Alabama—especially one Oregon believed they had locked up—is a message to the rest of the nation. Alabama isn’t just back; they’re evolving under Coach DeBoer.”
Dunbar’s signing also represents a strategic victory for Alabama in terms of optics. Oregon has been increasingly aggressive on the national stage under head coach Dan Lanning, often clashing with SEC powerhouses for elite talent. This loss will undoubtedly sting for the Ducks, who had built much of their offensive 2025 vision around Dunbar’s versatility.
“It hurts,” admitted an Oregon staffer off the record. “He was going to be our game-changer, a leader for this class. But this is the world we live in now—NIL, early playing time, SEC spotlight. We wish him well.”
While no details have been officially confirmed, insiders suggest that Alabama’s NIL collective, “Yea Alabama,” played a significant role in securing Dunbar’s commitment. Though the exact figures remain confidential, it’s believed the package offered both immediate and long-term incentives, including endorsement opportunities and academic support.
Dunbar’s decision also continues a growing trend of West Coast athletes looking East, drawn by the SEC’s competitiveness, visibility, and track record of NFL development. With USC and UCLA heading into their Big Ten era and Oregon joining them, the recruiting wars are becoming even more heated.
Malik’s high school coach, Rodney Figueroa, spoke to the media following the announcement:
“Malik is a once-in-a-generation player, but more importantly, he’s a grounded, humble young man. Alabama’s getting a warrior with a chip on his shoulder. He’s going to make noise in Tuscaloosa—no doubt.”
Alabama’s 2025 class, already ranked in the top three nationally, may now climb even higher with Dunbar’s addition. He joins a loaded group of skill players and becomes the highest-ranked offensive weapon in the class so far.
With fall camp approaching and the 2024 season just weeks away, Alabama’s recruiting victory will only add momentum to a program that continues to thrive in a post-Saban era. And for Dunbar, the journey is just beginning.
As he summed up in his final words on social media:
“I came from the Pacific Northwest, but now I’m headed to the heart of college football. Roll Tide forever.”
