Wheaton’s Son ⁢Chooses Oregon State, Role Reversal?

Updated June 19, 2025
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Kai Wheaton, son of Oregon Ducks‍ legend Kenny Wheaton, has committed⁢ to the Oregon State Beavers. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound cornerback, a three-star recruit in the 2026 class, announced his decision Wednesday on X, formerly Twitter, with graphics of himself⁢ in a Beavers jersey.

Wheaton,who ‍played cornerback for ⁤Allen High School,also ‍had offers from⁣ Colorado,Houston,Texas Tech and Arizona. He is expected to transition to⁢ safety in college. During his sophomore year, he recorded 15 tackles and three interceptions in 10 games. 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 1,218 player in the 2026 class.

Fans reacted positively to Wheaton’s commitment⁣ on social media. One fan wrote, “absolutely thrilled to see this!” Another added, “Glad to see another Wheaton headed to the State of Oregon.”

Kenny Wheaton’s Legacy

Kenny Wheaton, kai’s father, starred as a defensive ‍back for the Oregon Ducks from 1994 to 1996, amassing 10 interceptions⁣ and 359 defensive yards. He became a Ducks icon after a game-winning pick-six against the Washington ⁤Huskies ⁣in 1994, a play still⁤ celebrated as one of the program’s ⁢greatest moments. Kenny Wheaton was inducted into the Oregon University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Kenny‍ Wheaton in the third round‍ of the 1997 NFL draft. After a⁤ knee injury in 1999, ⁣he played arena football for the Detroit Fury in 2002. He then‍ spent six seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts ⁢before⁤ his release in January 2009.

What’s next

Kai Wheaton will enter his⁣ senior year at Allen High School before joining the Oregon State Beavers. His performance will be closely ⁣watched‍ as he begins his collegiate career, stepping into a new role within the Oregon college football landscape.