EUGENE – At this point last season, the Oregon football team didn’t quite know what they had in running back Dierre Hill Jr… who became one of the Ducks’ best weapons, leading the Big Ten and ranking No. 2 nationally with 8.75 yards per rush in 2025 as a true freshman.
Which begs the question for 2026: Are there more underrated gems on the depth chart that can emerge as difference makers?
Hill Jr. and fellow sophomore Jordon Davison are expected to dominate in their second seasons in Eugene… but the competition unfolding behind the Ducks starters at running back could create a major problem for opposing defenses this year.
First up for Oregon on the 2026 schedule, the Boise State Broncos come to Eugene with the same quarterback and coach that game them an upset scare in 2024.
Dierre Hill Jr. Calls Ducks’ Depth ‘Very Scary’ for Opponents
The competition in Oregon’s running back room appears to be very real… and, according to Hill, potentially ominous for opposing defenses.
“I just see it as very scary for our opponent. I mean, not only our ones, but the threes and the fours. We have huge depth here, and we have guys that are very hungry. And we, what’s so amazing about here is everyone’s competitive, so everyone’s going getting better.”…