Not too many backfields were quite as loaded as Oregon football's heading into the 2023 season. The Ducks had Bucky Irving as one of the nation's top returning rushers, Jordan James, and also. Western Kentucky transfer Noah Whittington who had nearly 800 yards and five touchdowns the season prior.
But just four games into the 2023 season, Whittington went down with a serious leg injury against Colorado, ending his season far too early.
The injury happened in the fourth game so Whittington was able to retain a redshirt and he still had the COVID-19 year in 2020, so he technically still has this season and next season to utilize if he chooses to do so. But this year may be his last, especially if he picks up right where he left off in 2022 and to begin the 2023 season.
On Wednesday, the NCAA released its list of Comeback Player of the Year candidates and Whittington was one of them.
Toughness and Sacrifice.
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) August 7, 2024
Noah Whittington is on the watch list for the Comeback Player of the Year Award! #GoDucks x @ComebackPlayrFB pic.twitter.com/DOV7l3liEu
The Western Kentucky transfer followed his coach over before the 2022 season and ended up rushing for 779 yards and five touchdowns while catching 22 passes for 169 yards and another score. After nearly hitting 1,000 all-purpose yards, he started 2023 hot with 146 rushing yards and two scores on 7.3 yards per touch and 10 catches for 78 yards.
And then the injury happened against Colorado which marred an otherwise beautiful blowout of Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, 42-6.
Returning for the 2024 season despite his former coach leaving for Ohio State, Whittington has high hopes and expectations despite not being the projected starter. He has never been the true RB1 and yet he has still rushed for 1,581 yards and nine touchdowns with a 5.7 yards per carry average in his collegiate career. His numbers should resemble the 2022 season in 2024.
Don't be surprised if Oregon's more-than-capable backup wins Comeback Player of the Year.