One freshman on the Oregon Ducks has drawn a comparison to NFL star Saquon Barkley before the season.
After falling short in the College Football Playoff yet again, the Oregon Ducks enter the new 2026 season with a lot to prove.
Some in the sport believe that this is the most talented team in college, but the Ducks will have to earn that title on the field. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning has carefully crafted this roster, mixing the transfer portal with traditional recruiting from high school.
Lanning is one of the best coaches in college football, but the big knock on him has been that he can't get this group over the hump. However, this season could earn him more praise, especially if they can win it all.
But on the roster, the Ducks have strong depth all over the place, especially within the running back room. One name that has been making waves so far heading into the year is freshman Brandon Smith.
Smith was a four-star recruit, and the Ducks have some big plans for him. But teammate Dierre Hill has given Smith a comparison to NFL star Saquon Barkley, at least in terms of his running style.
This is major praise for the freshman, especially considering how strong a player Barkley was in college and now in the NFL. Playing with Penn State, Barkley dominated, scoring 43 touchdowns over 38 games, leading to him being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Who is Brandon Smith?
At the high school level, Smith was extremely productive. In his final year, he finished with 32 touchdowns on the ground.
Smith has displayed a sense of patience in the backfield, which is something that coaches can't teach. Similar to Barkley, Smith allows the game to come to him, taking what the defense gives him.
One of his best traits is in the open field, where he can shine in making dynamic cuts away from defenders. Smith has the talent to be a starter in college, but he'll have to earn his way up the depth chart.
His productivity was something that stood out to interested programs, including Oregon. While it remains to be seen how much of a workload he will receive this year, having him on the roster could benefit the Ducks.
Injuries tend to happen throughout the season, and making sure that the backups are capable of stepping in is huge. Lanning has understood this very well, and Smith could end up making a difference in the 2026 season as long as he stays ready throughout.
