Simeon Price tabbed as 'under-the-radar' piece for Oregon Ducks

It's hard to think of a time when running back was a problem for the Oregon Ducks. With stars like LaMichael James and Royce Freeman, to more recent producers like Jordan James and Bucky Irving, the Ducks don't often face a lack of talent at the position.

The Ducks appear to have their next impact duo in the backfield with Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., both of whom put together impressive freshman seasons in Eugene last year. Now, with Noah Whittington off to the NFL, the pair are set to lead the Oregon backfield for an encore.

However, depth was an issue at the position late in the season. After Davison suffered an injury in the Orange Bowl and Whittington got hurt leading up to the Peach Bowl, plus the early transfers out of the program, the Ducks were shorthanded in their season-ending loss to Indiana without a physical, veteran runner in the backfield.

Now, Oregon is prepared for the chaos of the postseason, and they might have found the veteran they need to replace Whittington. Colorado transfer Simeon Price joined the Ducks in the offseason and could wind up as the third running back in the rotation, which has become a vital role in Oregon's offense in recent seasons. ESPN's Paolo Uggetti named Price an "under-the-radar" player for the Ducks in the 2026 season.

"While much of the discussion around the Ducks' running back room understandably revolves around Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., both of whom had stellar freshman seasons," Uggetti wrote. "The addition of Price could prove to be just as important. Price, a transfer with stops at Mississippi State, Coastal Carolina and Colorado, should balance out the room with his ample experience and veteran presence."