When the Oregon Ducks face off against Boise State on Saturday, all expectations are that Dan Lanning's team should win big. While the game isn't the biggest challenge for the Ducks, if Oregon can play to its talent level, it should allow Dan Lanning and the coaching staff to see some of the underclassmen in action.
The Oregon Ducks have a clear 1-2 punch at the running back position in Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill, but there is a group of running backs pushing for playing time. In January, Oregon made a late addition to the signing class, adding Brandon Smith, a top 300 recruit in the class after he was released from his Letter of Intent to Arizona.
While Brandon Smith was a late addition to the class, he's quickly proving that he's ready to make an immediate impact.
Dierre Hill sees Saquon Barkley in freshman Brandon Smith
While receiving praise from coaches or fans is great for players, there's no higher praise than when your peers are impressed by your ability or notice the hard work. On Tuesday, Dierre Hill spoke to the media where he shared that Brandon Smith reminds him of NFL All-Pro Saquon Barkley with his running style.
Oregon RB Dierre Hill says that freshman RB Brandon Smith reminds him of Saquon Barkley with his running style.
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) September 1, 2026
High praise.
Saying that Brandon Smith reminds him of Saquon Barkley doesn't mean that he's going to live up to that talent level or that he's the same going to have the same level of impact. While that's true anytime a veteran at the same position sees shades of a superstar in a young player, it's incredibly encouraging.
Brandon Smith is going to have a chance to play himself into a big role in the offense early in the season if the momentum carries into the games. Incoming transfer Simeon Price and returnee Da'Juan Riggs are each contending for the third running back role, but even with experience, it may not be enough to hold off Smith, as he could be a special talent for the Ducks.
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