A New RB Target Has Emerged for Oregon, and a Visit Is Already Locked In

Oregon has already put together an impressive running back class for 2025, landing 4-star prospects Dierre Hill and Jordon Davison. Looking ahead to 2026, the Ducks have a strong foundation with Tradarian Ball, a borderline 5-star recruit, already on board. However, another blue-chip running back prospect has now emerged for Oregon, and an official visit is already on the books.

4-star 2026 running back TJ Hodges tells me that he will take an official visit to Oregon from June 20th-22nd. The 6'1, 175-pound playmaker from Marked Tree High School in Marked Tree, Arkansas, is the No. 1 recruit in his state. Despite never visiting Oregon before, Hodges will wrap up his June official visits with a trip to Eugene, giving the Ducks a big opportunity to make an impression.

Oregon is most likely going to sign two running backs in the 2026 class, and with Ball already committed, that leaves one more spot open. Along with Hodges, the Ducks are actively recruiting 4-star running backs Deshonne Redeaux, Cardae Mack, Javian Osborne, KJ Edwards, and DeZephen Walker. While Osborne and Edwards appear to be longshots, the other names—including Hodges—are all serious options for Oregon.

Hodges previously released his top eight schools in December, listing Oregon, Ole Miss, Missouri, Arkansas, USC, Florida, Louisville, and Baylor as contenders. Missouri and Arkansas seem to have the edge in his recruitment for now, but with Oregon getting the final visit, the Ducks will have a prime opportunity to make a late push before he potentially announces his decision.

A consensus 4-star recruit, Hodges is ranked as high as No. 202 by 247Sports, while On3 has him at No. 234, ESPN at No. 273, and Rivals also lists him as a 4-star. Oregon has work to do to gain ground in this recruitment, but with an official visit scheduled, Hodges is another name Ducks fans should keep an eye on as the staff looks to bring in another strong running back duo in 2026.