Dan Lanning strikes back in the portal, rebuilding the numbers at RB

Four-star running back Brandon Smith signed with Arizona in the class of 2026, but the Fresno product has already changed his mind.

The short-term signee entered the portal Saturday, and Monday he committed to play for the Oregon Ducks next season, announced just minutes ago. He's a 6-0, 185 speedster from Central East High in the nation's vegetable stand who racked up 1,790 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior, named MVP of the TRAC6 league.

Smith also earned two-time all-state honors in track and field, topping out at 10.67 in the 100 meters, 21.52 in the 200, an eyelash faster than BJ Kelley, who played wide receiver at UO in the Kenyon Barner/Marcus Mariota era.

Tampering, what tampering? Just this weekend Smith asked to be released from his Wildcat contract to enter the portal, similar to Bryson Beaver of the Ducks, who wound up at Georgia. His addition helps rebuild an Oregon running back room decimated by the portal after Makhi Hughes, Jayden Limar and Jay Harris all left for starting opportunities.

Smith has the suddenness to be a very good back, but he's a developmental addition in that he has to fill out a bit in order to pass block in the Big Ten. He's the No. 212 prospect in the country according to Rivals.