Lake Oswego star running back reopens recruitment

One of the top seniors in Oregon’s class of 2026 has changed his mind after originally verbally committing to Oregon State.

On Friday afternoon, Lake Oswego’s LaMarcus Bell announced via social media that he was reopening his recruiting.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back originally committed to Oregon State back in January.

“This was not an easy decision, and I have so much respect and love for Coach Bray, Coach Pickering, and the entire Oregon State staff for believing in me,” Bell wrote.

Bell was the Class 6A all-state Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 and a first team all-state selection at running back, rushing for 1,630 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. He was a big piece for the Lakers’ offense as Lake Oswego went 11-1 in 2024 and fell to West Linn in the Class 6A open state championship game.

He is considered a three-star recruit by 247Sports and currently holds offers from BYU, Utah, Boise State and Cal.

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— Nik Streng covers high school sports in Oregon. Reach him at nstreng@oregonian.com or @NikStreng