The Oregon Ducks had the No. 3 player in the country last year, but now they have a top-five player and are in the running to take the No. 1 spot this time around.
But even with their sights set on the prize of a national title on the field and a national recruiting crown on the recruiting front, Dan Lanning and his coaching staff are still laying the early groundwork for the 2026 cycle.
And it could pay off in big ways soon.
This weekend, Oregon will host its elite player scouting event, “Saturday Night Live,” which will draw dozens of top prospects to Eugene.
Following a tradition started by Willie Taggart, the Ducks tend to sign at least two players from camp each year.
And this year is unlikely to be any exception.
Prediction: Tradarian Ball to the Oregon Ducks
One player to keep an eye on this weekend is four-star running back Tradarian Ball from Texas High School (Texas).
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound playmaker is rated the No. 33 prospect in the nation and the No. 2 running back in the class of 2026, meaning he's just shy of five-star status.
As a sophomore, Ball proved to be one of the most explosive young playmakers in the country, averaging seven yards per carry while rushing for 1,285 yards and 12 touchdowns.
He also showed talent in track and field, clocking times of 10.82 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.69 seconds in the 200 meters.
Ball is heading to “SNL” camp in Oregon this weekend, and rumors are growing that she could be booked to appear soon.
And the recruitment industry agrees.
247Sports has been favoring the Ducks lately, while On3 gives Oregon an 85 percent chance of getting the ball.
Considering his status as a near five-star running back, this could be a big addition.
It's also worth noting that Ball already has scholarship offers from 40 schools, including Florida State, University of Georgia, Louisiana State, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of Oklahoma, Pennsylvania State, University of Tennessee, University of Texas, Texas A&M and University of Southern California.
Here's what 247Sports had to say about his prospects:
“Explosive offensive weapon with experience coming out of the backfield as a receiver. Not a big man, but looks and plays bigger than his size on paper. Consistent big-play option with the versatility and athleticism to home in on handoffs, in the screen game, downfield targets and in the return game. Shows quick, decisive cuts and sudden changes of direction. A creative second-level runner who often uses his speed to maximize open-field opportunities. Caught 24 passes as a sophomore, laying a valuable receiving foundation. Not only has he caught the ball out of the backfield, but he has lined up out wide and in the slot, showcasing his route nuance and downfield tracking ability. Makes effortless plays with speed enhanced by explosive initial acceleration. Able to mount and make runs when he finds space. Capable cut-stacker in the open field. Good contact balance, but needs to continue to add weight/strength. Has a narrow base and runs upright at times. Might not be a player that just wears the running back label.” Rather, he's a versatile weapon that can get volume from any touch or target in the backfield. He displays speed, agility, vision and pass-catching dexterity that could make him a high-major game-breaker at the next level.”
If Oregon does indeed acquire him, it would be another big decision for running backs coach Rashad Samples, who has been in great form since taking over from Arizona State to replace Carlos Loughlin (Ohio State).
So far, Samples has played a key role in the recruiting of Mater Dei (Calif.) running back Jordan Davison, Althoff Catholic (Ill.) running back Dealle Hill and Duncanville (Texas) wide receiver D'Acolleen Moore.
Could he add Ball to the team right away?
The possibility is increasing with each passing day.
