Oregon Ducks' recent recruiting surge continues with second 2026 blue chip addition

Oregon is having one hell of a recruiting cycle, hauling in recruitments left and right for the 2025 class. The strong showing for what Oregon is building may be starting to trickle into the following year's recruiting, as Dan Lanning and company just landed a commitment from one of the top 2026 running backs in the country.

Oregon lands commitment from 2026 blue chip running back Tradarian Ball

Tradarian Ball is a 5'11" 185lbs running back that just wrapped up his sophomore year of high school. At that height, he has plenty of frame, and time, to add some bulk. He's already plenty built, and plenty athletic.

For Ball, he has lined up both in the backfield, as well as out wide. If running back is to be his position as he continues his football career, that versatility to be an offensive weapon all over the formation will make him a valuable asset that can carve out a substantial role.

Prior to his verbal commitment during Oregon's recruiting weekend, Ball had been linked to Texas, Oklahoma, USC, LSU, and Miami. Ball becomes the first player on the offensive side of the ball to commit to the Ducks for the 2026 class.

Dan Lanning continues to flex his recruiting muscles  in Texas

Once again, the Ducks are pulling a stud out of Texas. Lanning got the No. 1 ranked wide receiver in the 2025 class, Dakorien Moore , as well as 2025 4-star cornerback Dorian Brew, both out of Texas. Adding Tradarian Ball out of Texarkana, a top-5 running back in the 2026 class according to On3's rankings, continues the Ducks' recent trend.

Texarkana, in particular, has been good to the Ducks in the past. Oregon legend and second on the all-time leaderboard in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, LaMichael James, came to Eugene from Texarkana. He went on to lead the backfield in three straight years, from 2009 - 2011, logging 5,082 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns on the ground.

Ball will aim to continue Oregon's strong recruiting presence and be a building block for another top class for the Ducks.

Related: Oregon Ducks making push to flip a 5-star recruit from Ohio State after official visit