Former Arizona running back signee with elite speed flips commitment to Oregon

Oregon football is adding to its running back depth with a newcomer to its 2026 high school recruiting class.

Four-star running back Brandon Smith announced his commitment to the Ducks on Monday. Smith previously signed with Arizona in December before reopening his recruitment this past weekend, and now he is set to land in Eugene under running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples.

Smith — from Central East High School in Fresno — is rated the No. 21 running back in the country and No. 29 overall player in California according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. He also competed in track and field during high school and played safety as well on the football field.

Smith brings plenty of speed to the table, according to 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins.

“A true game breaker and home run threat running the football and is among the most explosive backs out West,” Biggins wrote back on June 27. “Elite track metrics and competed in five events last Spring with a personal best 10.67-100-meters, 21.52-200m and anchored the schools 4X400 relay team that finished 2nd at the CA State Track and Field Championship. Speed shows up on the football field and he’s able to accelerate and hit his top end gear after just a few strides.”

With early enrollee quarterback Bryson Beaver now headed to Georgia, Oregon’s 2026 high school recruiting class stands at 21 players with the addition of Smith, now rated the No. 2 overall class in 247Sports’ composite rankings. The Ducks’ other 2026 running back is four-star prospect Tradarian Ball (Texarkana, TX), rated the No. 9 running back in the country and No. 14 player in Texas.