Dan Lanning could end up having a very tough decision to make when it comes to the Oregon Ducks' running back room.
The Oregon Ducks have long been known for fielding explosive, talented offenses, and with quarterback Dante Moore deciding to return for another season, 2026 should be no exception.
However, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning will certainly face some tough decisions, and one position in particular that could become problematic is the running back position.
And when I say "problematic," I mean that Lanning might not exactly know who deserves playing time and who doesn't because the room is so deep.
The Ducks will be returning Jordon Davison, Dierre Hill and Da'Jaun Riggs next season. Davison racked up 15 rushing touchdowns in 2025, while Hill averaged a robust 8.7 yards per carry on 75 attempts.
Riggs, meanwhile, was buried on the depth chart behind the former two and Noah Whittington, toting the rock 17 times for 86 yards.
Whittington is headed to the NFL, which should mean that Riggs will jump to third on the depth chart by default, but the issue is that Oregon nabbed former Colorado halfback Simeon Price in the transfer portal and has four-star recruit Tradarian Ball entering the mix.
Oregon Ducks running back Da'Jaun Riggs. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images.That could make things pretty messy in the running back room, and it will make things difficult for Lanning and new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer.
It's a cushy problem to have, for sure, but it's definitely something the Ducks will need to get figured out in the coming weeks and months.
Davison will probably end up winning the starting job just because of how terrific he was in the red zone last season. That being said, Hill was the far more efficient back, which could result in a rather even split between the two.
You have to wonder where that leaves Riggs, the former three-star prospect who is now entering his third season (redshirt sophomore campaign) in Eugene.
Price, meanwhile, is now on his fourth school since beginning his collegiate career at Mississippi State back in 2021. He spent three years with the Bulldogs before transferring to Coastal Carolina in 2024. Price then moved on to Colorado in 2025, where he showed significant promise before an ankle injury ended his season.
We'll see how things shake out the remainder of spring practice and then into camp.
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