Oregon Ducks Pushing for Fast-Rising Northern California Recruit

The Oregon Ducks are prioritizing this fast-rising running back as his recruiting period intensifies.

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The Oregon Ducks watched one prized running back recruit go viral already to start the high school season. Class of 2027 commit CaDarius McMiller flashed his uncanny speed during a Tyler High of Texas scrimmage.

But there's another running back worth monitoring for Ducks fans. This one is out in the Bay Area of California and represents the following recruiting cycle.

Who Oregon is Pushing for in Northern California

Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordon Davison (0) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rivals recruiting insider Brandon Huffman revealed on Aug. 23 that Pittsburg High standout Isaiah Harrison is a rising priority for the 2028 class.

The now-junior told Huffman that Oregon is among "the offers that stand out the most" for him so far.

Harrison first reeled in his Ducks offer in June following a camp performance inside Autzen Stadium. Huffman reports that Harrison does plan on making a return to Eugene, this time for a 2026 home game.

Oregon is no stranger to hitting California, let alone the Bay Area region. Senior linebacker Jerry Mixon comes from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco. Freshman defensive lineman Tommy Tofi starred for another SF powerhouse in Archbishop Riordan. Class of 2027 safety Malakai Taufoou lines up for Junipero Serra in San Mateo.

Now it looks like the Ducks want to land a backfield talent whose Pirates team played for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) NorCal Division 1-A regional title. But they fell to a Central East of Fresno team that was led by Ducks 2026 running back signing Brandon Smith.

How Isaiah Harrison Fits Oregon's Running Back Mold

Fighting Ducks quarterback Dylan Raiola, left, hands off the ball to Fighting Ducks running back Dierre Hill Jr. during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Harrison is currently a three-star who'll likely make a valuable case for a fourth star this fall by the national recruiting outlets.

He also presents the early look and feel for what Oregon coach Dan Lanning and his offensive staff look for out of a running back.

Harrison shows burst the moment he touches the football. He explodes through holes like he's shot out of a cannon. Then he zig zags around defenders with a quick plant-and-go technique with his feet.

But he's proven to become more than a speed back. The 6-0, 190-pounder shows power in bouncing off tackles, forcing the third or fourth defender to bring him down to the grass. He's even hit defenders with a spin move to shed past would-be tacklers.

Harrison has shown that he's someone who fights for his yards in a variety of ways, not just limited to trusting his speed. All the more reason he fits the mold of what Oregon wants from its running back room. But the Ducks aren't the only ones fixated on landing him for the 2028 class.

Biggest Threats to Land Isaiah Harrison Outside of Oregon

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning and Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti hold a joint press conference at the College Football Hall of Fame before the CFP semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 in Atlanta | Jason Parkhurst via Abell Images

Cal surfaces as a prominent local school to monitor closely for Harrison. The Golden Bears not only offered Harrison early, but are led by former Ducks defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, who's proving to be a stout recruiter in Berkeley.

Harrison revealed to Huffman that Arizona State is one more pursuing him hard. ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham is another familiar with Oregon's recruiting efforts, as a former Ducks offensive coordinator in 2022.

This will no doubt become a marathon in landing Harrison. But Oregon fans will know the Ducks got an early jump on Harrison and have remained closely connected.

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