Young Oregon Ducks running backs Davison, Hill ready to lead in 2026

Freshmen duo combined for 1,323 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:10pm by Ben Kaplan

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Oregon running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. burst onto the scene last fall as freshmen, combining for 1,323 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. With the departure of starter Noah Whittington, the duo is expected to be the focal point of the Ducks' rushing attack in 2026 as they continue to develop their skills.

Why it matters

The Ducks' running game was a key part of their offense in 2025, and Davison and Hill's continued growth and leadership will be crucial to Oregon's success as they aim to contend for a College Football Playoff championship in 2026.

The details

Davison, a 6-foot, 236-pound bruiser, evolved from a short-yardage, goal-line back early in the season to exhibiting the ability to break off long runs. Hill, a 5-11, 205-pound speedster, showed electric playmaking ability throughout the year, leading the Big Ten in yards per carry. Running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples said the duo was 'operating off pure talent' in 2025 and now need to continue developing their understanding of the game and their individual strengths and weaknesses.

  • Davison missed the CFP semifinal Peach Bowl loss to Indiana with a broken clavicle.
  • Oregon's running back room had significant turnover after the Ducks ended the 2025 regular season, with starter Noah Whittington graduating and three other backs transferring.

The players

Jordon Davison

A 6-foot, 236-pound running back who evolved from a short-yardage, goal-line back to exhibiting the ability to break off long runs as a freshman in 2025.

Dierre Hill Jr.

A 5-11, 205-pound running back who showed electric playmaking ability throughout the 2025 season, leading the Big Ten in yards per carry.

Ra'Shaad Samples

The Oregon running backs coach who said Davison and Hill were 'operating off pure talent' in 2025 and now need to continue developing their understanding of the game and their individual strengths and weaknesses.

Noah Whittington

The Ducks' starting running back in 2025 who graduated, leaving a void in the leadership of the running back room.

Simeon Price

A Colorado transfer and six-year veteran who has played in 38 career games, bringing experience and consistency to the Ducks' running back room.

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What they’re saying

“They're going through the maturation process. They're growing. They have to understand who they are as players, understand their strengths and weaknesses.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon running backs coach

“The ceiling is really high. Obviously he's a big guy by nature. He carries weight so easily, he's so physical.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon running backs coach

“Dierre can do some things on the perimeter like nobody can. In between the tackles, if he can continue to take his play to the next level, those guys have a chance to be like some of the best backs in the country.”

— Ra'Shaad Samples, Oregon running backs coach

What’s next

The Ducks will continue to monitor Davison's recovery from the broken clavicle he suffered at the end of the 2025 season. Both Davison and Hill will be key parts of Oregon's offense as the team aims to contend for a College Football Playoff championship in 2026.

The takeaway

Oregon's running back duo of Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. burst onto the scene as freshmen in 2025, and their continued development will be crucial to the Ducks' success in 2026 as they look to replace the leadership and production of departed starter Noah Whittington.