Oregon Ducks coach Tosh Lupoi spotted at game of 5-star edge-rusher Elijah Rushing

It's not over until it's over.

And in the world of college football recruiting it definitely isn't over when all that stands between a program and prospect is a pesky verbal commitment.

The latest evidence of that may have come Friday night, as Oregon Ducks defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi was spotted at Salpointe Catholic's (Arizona) football game.

That's interesting given that Salpointe Catholic is home to long-time Oregon target and Arizona pledge Elijah Rushing, a five-star prospect who is rated the nation's No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 edge-rusher.

Oregon has not only never given up on Rushing, but Arizona may have lost some momentum with the decommitment of Keona Wilhite, who is expected to complete a flip to Washington soon. 

There have been growing rumblings that the Ducks are still in hot pursuit of Rushing, and Lupoi's sideline presence all-but-confirms that there's some fire behind that smoke. 

What will the winner of the "Rushing sweepstakes" be getting?

As a junior, the 6-foot-6, 251-pound registered 73 tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss and 11.5 sacks with four forced fumbles.  

During the Dan Lanning era, Oregon has been stellar at landing high-end front-seven defenders and remains in the hunt for Rushing, Mater Dei (California) five-star defensive lineman Aydin Breland and others.

Can Oregon pull off one of the 2024 recruiting cycle's biggest flips and lure Rushing away from Arizona?

Lupoi's presence Friday night is certainly a sign that the Ducks will try. 

Junior season highlights