Michael Van Buren to Oregon Ducks; Nation's No. 2 uncommitted quarterback announces decision

The Oregon Ducks are set at the quarterback position in the class of 2024.

Planning to take two quarterbacks in the cycle, Dan Lanning's program secured the commitment of Sunnyslope (Arizona) three-star passer Luke Moga in late April.

But there was one more signal-caller to (publicly) add to the fold.

As it turns out, St. Frances Academy (Maryland) four-star quarterback Michael Van Buren was actually the first domino to fall.

He silently committed to the Ducks over Maryland and Penn State in mid-April, then waited until Saturday to make things public. 

“I’m going to Oregon, because of the family culture and the relationship I have with the coaches on and off the field," Van Buren said.

For the talented East Coast passer, he knew Oregon was his future home a month ago.

“It was when I took the second visit (of the year) in mid April," Van Buren said. "I was spending a lot of time with the coaching staff and the players. My mom was there. It just felt like the right place to be and I decided to make that happen.”

“I committed on that visit, so I’ve been committed for awhile now. I’m glad it has all come to an end and I finally get to help recruit a No. 1 (recruiting) class.”

Van Buren, who entered the week as the nation's No. 2 uncommitted quarterback, is rated the No. 129 overall prospect, the No. 11 quarterback and the No. 3 prospect in Maryland, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

His most optimistic rankings, however, comes from ESPN, which rates him as a five-star prospect and the nation's No. 18 overall prospect and No. 2 quarterback, while his lowest rating is a three-star distinction. 

What's the reason for the discrepancy?

Likely size.

Van Buren measures in at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, but the arm talent is difficult to ignore.

While he doesn't have elite arm strength, the Maryland product has flashed deadly accuracy.

At the Elite 11 Eugene Regional, Van Buren graded out as the event's most accurate passer, besting Pinnacle (Arizona) five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, the nation's No. 1 overall prospect, in the process.

Van Buren intends to graduate early and enroll at the University of Oregon in January, giving himself a chance to compete in spring ball

The idea of having to battle a second quarterback in his class was never a factor in his decision.

“It didn’t matter at all," Van Buren said. "I’ll take my talents over anybody in the country. Oregon let me know ahead of time. They told me what it was, they were real with me and I love to compete. May the best man win.”

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Van Buren, in part, as a recruit:

"...Explosive lower half allows him to evade pressure and create both inside and outside of the pocket. Can generate plenty of velocity with a smooth stroke and consistently hit his spots with pace, especially when looking to attack the middle depths of the field. Came up big as a junior on the road against a Desoto squad that went on to win a Texas 6A Division II state title as he completed 13 of 20 pass attempts for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Has shown that he can connect on some deep shots, but not exactly a strength of his game and is prone to take some risks. Should be viewed as a dynamic signal caller that can coordinate RPOs and throw with some confidence on the move. Owns valuable leadership qualities, but must be a better decision-maker and field-reader... Below average measurables won’t be for everyone..."  

Junior season highlights