The Oregon Ducks’ offseason competition for top recruiting targets is heating up with the official visit season underway. While coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks seemingly progressed in a positive direction with the recruits they hosted at the end of May, rival programs gained momentum with other Oregon targets.Five-star cornerback Hayden Stepp is set to make his official visit to Eugene in mid-June, but a recent trip to visit the Alabama Crimson Tide challenged the Ducks’ efforts to land him.Alabama Crimson Tide Make Another Big Push for Five-Star RecruitApril 7, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Head coach Kalen Deboer directs players during Spring Practice at the University of Alabama. | Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesPer 247Sports, Stepp took an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa back on March 8, and returned for his official visit the weekend of May 29.In an interview with Rivals’ Brandon Huffman, Stepp detailed his visit and named Alabama and Oregon as the two teams setting the pace in his recruitment. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks the field as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesStepp is listed as a five-star recruit by the Rivals Industry Rankings, the 247Sports Composite and ESPN. Landing Stepp would be a huge addition to either the Crimson Tide or the Ducks’ 2027 class if they’re able to earn a commitment.Oregon is looking for a second cornerback commitment and to boost its No. 9 ranking in the Rivals recruiting rankings, while Alabama is currently ranked No. 26 and is without a cornerback.Oregon Ducks Rising in Cornerback Hayden Stepp’s RecruitmentThe Crimson Tide may have regained the upper hand in Stepp’s recruitment after the visit, but it seems that the Ducks are right there. A big visit to Eugene could shift the momentum in Oregon’s favor.The Ducks have a couple of advantages when it comes to Stepp’s recruitment. Stepp attends Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he was recently teammates with incoming Oregon freshman Jett Washington. Both Washington and Stepp play in the secondary, so Washington’s experience early in the Ducks’ system could prove valuable to Stepp’s decision.New co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Chris Hampton, right, joins the first practice of spring for Oregon football as they prepare for the 2023 season.