This Oregon Ducks coach has made some pointed comments on the team's running back situation.
Last season, Noah Whittington was the Oregon Ducks' No. 1 running back, but Oregon still had plenty of depth behind him.
Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. both received considerable playing time, and now, with Whittington heading to the NFL, the roles of Davison and Hill stand to increase even further next year.
This should be a good thing for Oregon considering how productive both Davison and Hill were in 2025, and Ducks running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples isn't even sure the two youngsters truly knew how to play the game last season.
“You know, they did that last year and really didn't know what they were doing," Samples said. "They're going through the maturation process. They're growing. They have to understand who they are as players, understand their strengths and weaknesses. They were operating off of pure talent last year. They've gotten more in the film room."
Davison rushed for 667 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 5.9 yards per carry last year while Hill registered 656 yards and five scores on an incredibly robust 8.7 yards per attempt.
Oregon Ducks running back Jordon Davison. Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.Oregon will also likely give more touches to Da'Jaun Riggs, who toted the rock just 17 times for 86 yards in 2025. Freshman Tradarian Ball has looked impressive in spring practice, and the Ducks also landed Simeon Price via the transfer portal.
However, it's Davison and Hill who will surely carry most of the load in the backfield.
"They understand the game conceptually," Samples added. "What we're trying to accomplish, the moving parts of the offense, different spots. So, just growth, they should be key parts of not just like the backfield, but our offense.”
The Ducks' offense should definitely be high-powered in 2026, especially with quarterback Dante Moore returning for another season. Oregon has lost key pieces like tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Malik Benson, but there is more than enough talent here for Dan Lanning's club to succeed next fall.
And knowing how explosive Davison and Hill looked last year, the Ducks could very well have one of the top rushing attacks in the country next season.
Oregon will open up against Boise State on Sept. 5.
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