Oregon Quarterback Akili Smith Jr.'s New Number Has Ducks Fans Buzzing

Smith Jr. switches to No. 11, the same number his father Akili Smith wore during his legendary Oregon career.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Akili Smith Jr., a redshirt freshman quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, has switched his jersey number from No. 15 to No. 11, the same number his father Akili Smith wore during his standout 1998 season with the Ducks. The number change has generated excitement among Oregon fans, as it pays tribute to the elder Smith's legacy and signals a transition for the younger Smith as he looks to make his mark on the program.

Why it matters

The number change is significant because Akili Smith Sr. had a legendary career at Oregon, earning First-Team All-Pac-10 honors and being named the conference's Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 1998 while wearing No. 11. The younger Smith switching to the same number is seen as a nod to his father's accomplishments and a way to carry on the family's legacy at Oregon.

The details

Akili Smith Jr. was a four-star recruit in the 2025 class and is entering his second season with the Ducks. He did not see any playing time in 2025 with Dante Moore, Austin Novosad, Luke Moga and Brock Thomas ahead of him on the depth chart. However, with Novosad, Moga and 2026 recruit Bryson Beaver all transferring out, and Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola coming in, Smith Jr. may have an opportunity to compete for playing time in the future, potentially as soon as 2027 when Moore departs.

  • Akili Smith Jr. posted a picture of his new No. 11 jersey on his Instagram story on February 11, 2026.
  • Akili Smith Sr. wore No. 11 during the 1998 season at Oregon, when he earned First-Team All-Pac-10 and Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors.

The players

Akili Smith Jr.

A redshirt freshman quarterback for the Oregon Ducks who has switched his jersey number from No. 15 to No. 11, the same number his father Akili Smith wore during his legendary career at Oregon.

Akili Smith

Akili Smith Jr.'s father, who played quarterback at Oregon in 1998 and wore No. 11. He earned First-Team All-Pac-10 and was named the conference's Co-Offensive Player of the Year that season.

Dante Moore

The current starting quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, who announced he will forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and return to the team.

Dylan Raiola

A transfer quarterback from Nebraska who is expected to compete for the starting job at Oregon in 2027 after Dante Moore departs.

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What they’re saying

“Trust the process 💯🦆”

— Akili Smith Jr. (Twitter)

What’s next

Akili Smith Jr. will look to compete for playing time at quarterback for the Oregon Ducks in the coming seasons, with the potential to challenge for the starting job in 2027 after Dante Moore's departure.

The takeaway

Akili Smith Jr.'s number change to No. 11 is a symbolic gesture that connects him to his father's legacy at Oregon, while also signaling a new chapter in his own career with the Ducks. The move has generated excitement among fans and highlights the importance of family ties and tradition within the program.