The Oregon Ducks once led the way for one of the top quarterbacks in the 2028 class, but as the team explored all of its options, he might have drifted just out of reach.

Four-star quarterback Josiah Boyd announced his commitment to UCLA on Saturday. He chose the Bruins over Kentucky and Oregon. Boyd visited each program, including a Friday night trip to Eugene to watch the Ducks play Portland State, but his recent trips to Westwood were enough to keep the California passer close to home.

Boyd is one of the top players in the 2028 class and a dual-threat option under center. He’s ranked as the No. 2 quarterback and the No. 31 overall recruit in the 2028 class, according to Rivals. The Ducks already have the top quarterback in the 2027 class, five-star Will Mencl, committed to the program, and are exploring other quarterbacks in the 2028 class as well.

Oregon was the presumed leader for Boyd over the summer, with Kentucky looming as the big threat, thanks to the quarterback’s connection with former Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein. However, Boyd spent plenty of time on UCLA’s campus lately, including this past weekend for the Bruins’ game against Wisconsin, and as UCLA has risen to national prominence, Bob Chesney’s program quickly became the team to beat.

Boyd was originally slated to commit on Nov. 23, but after his trip to UCLA was so successful, we moved the date up to Saturday, so it’s no surprise that the Bruins are his choice.

This season at Vista del Lago High School, Boyd has completed 65.4% of his passes and tossed 19 touchdowns with three interceptions in eight games. He also rushed for eight more scores.

Oregon is still searching for its first commitment in the 2028 class. All eyes now turn to fellow four-star quarterback Tristin Gaines, with whom the Ducks have become very close recently. Oregon will also need to hold on to some of its commits in the 2027 class, like linebacker Toa Satele, as UCLA’s sudden rise has piqued the interest of some recruits ahead of signing day.