News Summary
Oscar Rios, a talented four-star quarterback from Downey High School, has announced his commitment to the Arizona Wildcats, rejecting an offer from UCLA. Rios is recognized for his significant achievements on the field, including impressive passing and rushing statistics. His decision marks a pivotal moment in Arizona’s recruiting efforts as he becomes the highest-rated player in their 2026 class. Rios’s connection with Arizona’s coaching staff and strong performance at camps contributed to his choice, which is anticipated to positively impact the Wildcats’ football program in the future.
Downey, California – Oscar Rios, a four-star quarterback from Downey High School, has officially committed to the Arizona Wildcats, turning down an offer from his hometown school, UCLA. Rios announced his decision on Friday, marking a significant moment in his recruiting journey as he becomes the highest-rated prospect in Arizona’s 2026 recruiting class.
Rios, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 170 pounds, opted for Arizona after taking official visits to both the Wildcats and the Bruins. The decision comes after a series of interests from numerous schools, including Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona State. Notably, he was also a former commit to Purdue before making this latest move.
During his junior year, Rios showcased his talent on the field by passing for over 2,500 yards, accumulating 22 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Furthermore, he demonstrated dual-threat capabilities, rushing for more than 700 yards and scoring 11 rushing touchdowns in the same season. Over the last two years, Rios has achieved a remarkable total of 74 touchdowns, proving his prowess as a playmaker.
This commitment is a vital boost for Arizona’s head coach Brent Brennan and his coaching staff, who have successfully secured 15 commitments for this recruiting cycle. Rios joins the Wildcats as the first four-star commitment in a class that currently comprises only three-star players, elevating the overall profile of the recruiting effort.
Rios’s Performance and Recognitions
Rios’s performance has not gone unnoticed in the scouting community. He was recognized as a top performer at the Elite 11 Finals, an intensive camp designed to evaluate high school quarterbacks nationwide. Observers noted Rios’s impressive ball placement and ability to remain calm under pressure during drills, indicating a promising future at the collegiate level.
Statistically, Rios has been prolific over the last two seasons, amassing a total of 5,187 passing yards alongside 45 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions. His impressive rushing statistics include 1,502 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a true dual-threat quarterback.
Recruiting Insights
As per the On3 Industry Ranking, Rios is currently ranked as the No. 190 overall prospect and the No. 13 quarterback in the upcoming 2026 recruiting class, while also being recognized as the No. 20 player in California. Additionally, 247Sports ranks him as the 10th quarterback and the 21st overall recruit in the California class of 2026. His combination of size, skill set, and game statistics contributed significantly to his high ranking among peers.
Coaching Connections
In his decision-making process, Rios expressed the appeal of Arizona’s coaching staff, citing their emphasis on family values and positive culture. He has established a strong rapport with offensive coordinator Seth Doege, who he views as a mentor and “big brother” figure. This personal connection played a substantial role in Rios’s commitment to the Wildcats.
Rios’s commitment is expected to have a lasting impact not only on his personal career but also on the Arizona Wildcats football program as they continue to build a competitive roster for the future. His skillful plays and leadership on the field will be closely watched in the upcoming seasons as he transitions to collegiate football.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UCLA’s Recruiting Class Gains Momentum Under DeShaun Foster
UCLA Bruins Secure Key Commitments for 2026 Football Class
UCLA Bruins Land Commitment from Three-Star Receiver
UCLA Football Signs Promising Quarterback Prospects
Additional Resources
- Sports360AZ
- Wikipedia: Oscar Rios
- Arizona Sports
- Google Search: Oscar Rios quarterback
- 247Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Quarterback
- Rivals
- Google News: Arizona Wildcats football
