Oregon lands 5-star QB Michael Van Buren
Five-star quarterback Michael Van Buren announced his commitment to Oregon on Saturday, picking the Ducks over Penn State and Maryland.
Van Buren is the second-ranked pocket passer on the ESPN 300 for 2024 and the No. 18 prospect overall. The Baltimore native is the top-ranked recruit from the state of Maryland. He visited Oregon in April.
"What stood out to me most would probably be just how bought-in everybody is and how together everyone is," he told ESPN's Blake Baumgartner. "The team is very close. Everybody treats everybody like family, and the people in the building, they all have great energy, and everybody there really wants people to succeed, and they're going to do everything they can to make sure that happens."
Oregon faces an uncertain quarterback situation beyond 2023, with Bo Nix set to graduate after the upcoming season. Van Buren said he sees similarities between himself and Nix, making Oregon's offensive system enticing.
"They like to push the ball downfield, and they like mobile quarterbacks," Van Buren said. "Like how Bo Nix is very mobile with quarterback runs and pushing the ball downfield and all the other stuff. So I feel like my abilities - my mobile ability - and being able to make every throw really fits that scheme."
The only pocket passer ranked ahead of Van Buren is Dylan Raiola, who recently committed to Georgia.