Ra'Shaad Samples Gets Real About Jordon Davison And Dierre Hill Jr.

Entering the 2026 season with expectations to win their first national championship in program history, there is plenty for Oregon fans to like about the Ducks' high-powered offense.

Outside of the return of their leader, starting quarterback Dante Moore, the Ducks return Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., two running backs who played a crucial role in the consistency of the Ducks' running game last season.

Oregon Ducks College Football Big Ten Jordon Davison Dante Moore Dierre Hill Jr. running backs Ra'Shadd Samples spring game — Oregon running back Jordon Davison carries the ball during warmups as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Not only did the two lead Oregon’s running game last season, but they have both made remarkable improvements this offseason.

How Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. Have Improved This Offseason

Oregon Ducks College Football Big Ten Dierre Hill Jr. Jordon Davison Ra'Shadd Samples CFP Peach Bowl Semifinal 2026 season — Oregon running back Dierre Hill Jr. carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon running back coach Ra’Shadd Samples, following Thursday’s spring practice, told reporters that both Davison and Hill were operating purely off talent last season. Next season, their talent and approach at running back could look entirely different.

As for this offseason, both running backs have developed in the film room, which could be crucial to Oregon’s rushing attack being even more explosive next season.

“They understand the game conceptually what we’re trying to accomplish, the moving parts of the offense different spots so just like growth should be key parts of not just the backfield but our offense,” said Samples.

The talent of Davison and Hill speaks for itself, as the two had a major impact on the Ducks, making their second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff and the team’s run to the semifinals at the Peach Bowl, before falling to the eventual national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, 56-22.

Oregon's Running Back Room Entering 2026 Season

Oregon Ducks College Football Big Ten Jordon Davison Dierre Hill Jr. Brandon Smith Simeon Price transfer portal running backs — 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 | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Outside of Noah Whittington, who led the Ducks in rushing last season, Davison and Hill combined for 1,323 yards and 202 touchdowns for Oregon. With Whittington now off to the NFL, Davison and Hill are now the two leaders for the Ducks' running game entering the 2026 season.

Other than Davison, Oregon also brings in talented newcomers to their running back room that the Ducks hope will have a major impact on their national championship chase. Central East High School running back Brandon Smith, out of Fresno, California, is a player to watch in the Ducks' backfield next season.

Smith, who was originally committed to the Arizona Wildcats, is rated as a four-star recruit, per 247Sports. Oregon also brings in Colorado transfer running back Simeon Price, adding depth to their rushing attack. In his one season with Colorado, Price recorded 143 yards and two touchdowns.

Oregon Ducks College Football Big Ten Simeon Price Brandon Smith Dierre Hill Jr. Jordon Davison running backs transfer portal — Sep 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffaloes running back Simeon Price (26) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

In addition to his one season in Boulder, Price also spent two seasons with Mississippi State and one with Coastal Carolina. In four seasons between the three schools, Price recorded 100 carries, 470 yards, and two touchdowns.

While Davison and Hill will carry the load for Oregon this season at running back, having other pieces that they can rely on is a strength and one of the many reasons why they are among the teams favored to compete for the national championship in 2026.

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