Oregon Freshman Tradarian Ball Turns Heads with Jersey Number

The highly-touted running back recruit from Texas will wear No. 4 for the Ducks next season.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

One of the standout aspects of Oregon's dominant offense in 2025 was its talented running back trio of Noah Whittington, Jordon Davison, and Dierre Hill Jr. With Whittington now headed to the NFL, the Ducks are bringing in a highly-touted freshman running back recruit in Tradarian Ball from Texas High in Texarkana, Texas. Ball will wear the iconic No. 4 jersey for Oregon next season, following in the footsteps of legendary Ducks running back LaMichael James.

Why it matters

Ball has the potential to be the next great running back for Oregon, which is looking to build on its success and contend for a national championship in 2026. The Ducks' running game was a key part of their offense last season, and Ball's arrival gives them another explosive playmaker to complement returning backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr.

The details

Rated as a four-star recruit by 247Sports, Ball hails from the same state as former Oregon star LaMichael James. With several other running backs transferring out this offseason, Ball has a chance to make an immediate impact for the Ducks. He is known for his explosiveness and ability to make defenders miss, similar to the skill set that made James so successful during his time at Oregon.

  • Ball will wear the No. 4 jersey for Oregon next season.
  • The Ducks open their 2026 season on September 5 against Boise State.

The players

Tradarian Ball

A highly-touted four-star running back recruit from Texas High in Texarkana, Texas, who will wear the iconic No. 4 jersey for Oregon next season.

LaMichael James

A legendary former Oregon running back who played for the Ducks from 2008 to 2011.

Noah Whittington

A standout running back for Oregon in 2025 who is now headed to the NFL Draft.

Jordon Davison

One of the key members of Oregon's dominant running back trio in 2025 who is set to return next season.

Dierre Hill Jr.

Another member of Oregon's talented running back group in 2025 who will be back for the Ducks next year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Ball will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Ducks when they kick off their 2026 season against Boise State on September 5.

The takeaway

With the departure of Noah Whittington, Oregon has an exciting new addition in Tradarian Ball, who has the potential to be the next great running back for the Ducks as they look to contend for a national championship in 2026.