Oregon Ducks Running Back Depth Brought Into Focus Amid Injury Concerns

Depth is a priority for every team entering a long college football season. As rosters inevitably deal with injuries and wear and tear, having reliable players ready to step into bigger roles is crucial. For Oregon, that depth could become particularly important in the running back room sooner rather than later.

On Wednesday, Zackary Neel of Ducks Wire first reported that running back Jordon Davison aggravated an injury in practice, but Neel later reported that the injury might not be as impactful as originally thought. On3's Justin Hopkins provided a conflicting report that photos of Davison practicing on Wednesday will emerge.

Running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples then confirmed at his already scheduled press conference that Davison participated, saying, "Practiced his butt off. He had a really good day of practice."

Oregon Ducks Jordan Davison running backs Dierre Hill Dink Riggs Simeon Price Tradarian Ball Brandon Smith depth 2026 — Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jordon Davison (0) rushes during the second quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The rumored injury concerns came in fall camp after Davison sustained a collarbone injury last season during the Orange Bowl vs. Texas Tech. Even though Samples' statement indicates that Davison is still healthy, the report highlights the importance of the depth Oregon has built behind him.

With Oregon entering the 2026 season with national championship aspirations, the production of its next wave of running backs could become an important storyline.

Oregon Running Back Depth Behind Jordon Davison

Davison is expected to play a major role in Oregon’s rushing attack after a strong freshman season in which he rushed for 667 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, Oregon is not without options behind him.

Dierre Hill Jr. Is Ready for a Much Bigger Role

Dierre Hill Jr. was the other half of Oregon’s two-headed freshmen backfield alongside Davison in 2025. He finished the season with 656 rushing yards on 75 carries, averaging 8.75 yards per carry while scoring five rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 16 receptions for 137 yards and another touchdown.

Hill consistently demonstrated the ability to turn limited opportunities into explosive plays. His 71-yard run against Indiana in the College Football Playoff was one of the clearest examples of the big-play ability he brings to the backfield. It's possible Hill could be asked to transition from Davison’s running mate into Oregon’s primary option.

That would likely mean a significant increase in touches, but Hill has already shown that he can be extremely efficient without a heavy workload.

Da’Jaun “Dink” Riggs Could Be Oregon’s Biggest Wild Card

While Davison and Hill are the obvious candidates to inherit the lead role, Riggs could be one of the most underrated players in Oregon’s running back room.

Riggs enters his redshirt sophomore season with considerably less production than Hill, but that does not necessarily mean he has less potential.

Injuries have been the biggest obstacle of Riggs’ young career. He appeared in just two games as a freshman in 2024 and played only 19 offensive snaps, but he made those opportunities count. Riggs carried the ball 11 times for 82 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.

He followed that up with another efficient stretch in 2025 before a foot injury ended his season after just five appearances. Riggs finished the year with 17 carries for 90 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Across his first 28 career carries, Riggs has totaled 168 rushing yards while averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. Those numbers are particularly intriguing because Riggs has never really had the opportunity to establish himself over an extended stretch.

After having his 2025 season cut short, Riggs has an opportunity to take on a much larger role, and his physical running style could give Oregon a different dimension alongside Hill.

Simeon Price Gives Oregon An Experienced Option

Oregon also added experience to its backfield through the transfer portal with Price. Price has played at Colorado, Coastal Carolina and Mississippi State. At Colorado in 2025, he rushed for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt before an injury sidelined him late in the season.

His veteran experience is already invaluable, but it could become even more critical if Oregon needs him to step into a larger role. Price gives the Ducks another veteran option who has already played college football at a high level.

Tradarian Ball Gives Oregon Another Explosive Option

One of the most intriguing young additions to the room is Tradarian Ball.

The Texas product arrives at Oregon with a reputation as an explosive playmaker and the speed to create problems whenever he gets the ball in space. Ball ran a verified 10.51-second 100-meter dash in high school and brings experience not only as a running back but also as a receiver and returner.

That versatility could allow Oregon to find creative ways to get him involved without immediately asking him to handle a full workload. He may be a true freshman, but his skill set gives him a chance to push for opportunities early.

Brandon Smith Adds More Size and Speed

Oregon also has another talented freshman in Smith, who gives the Ducks a different physical profile than some of the other backs in the room.

Smith rushed for more than 2,100 yards and 32 touchdowns as a high school senior, and at 6-1 and around 205 pounds, he also brings more size to a running back room that has plenty of speed.

Smith may have to wait his turn behind Oregon's more experienced backs, but his combination of size, production and speed makes him another player capable of earning opportunities if the Ducks need additional depth.

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