"The real answer is money": Fans react to five-star CB signee Na'eem Offord's comment on flipping to Oregon

By Maliha

Modified Dec 14, 2024 14:31 GMT

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Five-star cornerback Na'eem Offord shocked football fans by flipping from Ohio State to Oregon on Signing Day on Dec. 3. On Wednesday, he provided insight into his decision following Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game practices, saying (via On3):

“I feel like I felt the most love at Oregon. That’s where the love has been at with the whole staff recruiting me from the beginning.”

Dan Lanning's Oregon capped off an undefeated 13-0 season with a Big Ten championship. Given the Ducks' on-field success and reputation as a recruiting powerhouse, Offord’s decision shouldn’t have been too surprising. However, some fans couldn’t help but speculate about the role of Oregon’s robust NIL program, which has been heavily influenced by Nike co-founder Phil Knight.

Knight, alongside prominent donors, helped establish "Division Street," Oregon’s NIL collective. The collective has reportedly contributed significantly to the program’s ability to attract elite prospects. According to On3’s valuation, the school's NIL budget stands at an estimated $23 million.

For some fans, Na'eem Offord’s explanation about feeling “love” at Oregon didn’t sit well.

"LMAOOOOOOOO. Flips to Oregon on signing day but says he felt the most love there, get the f**kkkk out. Retarded Oregon fans will buy this crap but the rest of us surely do not," a fan wrote.

"lol by “love” he means $$", one wrote.

"Lol ya that and a bag of several thousand dollars," one wrote.

"Lol. I wish they'd just be honest. The real answer is money. And that's fine, but just shoot it straight," one wrote.

However, few fans appreciated Offord's decision.

"it’s okay to feel wanted and to get paid at the same time! he earned it. 5⭐️➕ leeeees go @OffordNaeem 🦆🔒," one wrote.

"And that’s right!!! Grass is damn green in Eugene, love our players 💚💛," one wrote.

Na'eem Offord is one of four five-star signees of Oregon's 2025 class, joining cornerback Brandon Finney, wide receiver Dakorien Moore and wide receiver Dallas Wilson.

Na'eem Offord reveals Phil Knight's part in his Oregon commitment

Ne'eem Offord is the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 class, the No. 1 recruit in Alabama and the No. 4 prospect in the nation, according to ESPN. Auburn and Oregon both pursued him long after his initial commitment to Ohio State, but the Ducks won the race due to a special promise Phil Knight made to Offord.

"He (Phil Knight) played a big role, like a huge, big role," Offord told CBS Sports. "He's actually waiting on me to get up there, he's got a lot of stuff planned for me. He's gonna help me make my shoe."

Knight’s direct involvement proves Oregon’s aggressive approach to recruiting in the name, image and likeness era. An anonymous NIL agent told CBS he is bankrolling that whole NIL thing and wants to see the Ducks win a national title.

Na'eem Offord’s flip is a game-changer for the Ducks, who now hold the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class in 2025 with 21 signees. The momentum continues into 2026, where the school has secured the top-ranked class with 10 commitments.