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."
Price will join the Ducks for his final season of college football and become the experienced guy in the room, despite never being a statistical leader in the backfield. His best collegiate season came as a freshman, totalling 30 carries for 150 yards for Mississippi State in 2022. He also made 13 catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns that season.
With the Buffaloes, Price had a decent start, rushing for 143 yards and two touchdowns in four games, but he suffered an injury against Wyoming in September that ended his season early.
There is some stiff competition for Price to get on the field. Da'Jaun Riggs is a veteran of Oregon's system and is in line for more opportunities. The Ducks also added a pair of four-star freshmen with Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith in their latest recruiting class. Oregon could look to preserve a redshirt for one or both of them, but Price is playing with house money in his final season, which could lead to more carries.
Standing at 6-foot and 215 pounds, Price has a solid mixture of power running and making plays outside the box. While Davison is the Ducks' go-to back at the goal line, Price could be a change of pace from Hill in the open field. Price had six carries for 20 yards in the spring game and showed some good vision, bouncing runs to the outside. The depth at running back will continue to be a situation worth watching as the summer progresses.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon RB Simeon Price named 'under-the-radar' player, per ESPN
