Oregon Star RB Bucky Irving to Play in Fiesta Bowl

Dan Lanning announced the star running back will play in New Year’s Six matchup.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning announced following Friday's practice that running back Bucky Irving will suit up for the Ducks when they take on the No. 23 Liberty Flames on New Year's Day.

The Oregon star running back recently declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

“Bucky was out there today,” Lanning told reporters.

He’ll put on an Oregon uniform for the final time in the Fiesta Bowl on January 1 against the Liberty Flames in Glendale.

“Bucky wants to play in this game,” Lanning said.

One more time. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/jcAWl5JhIz

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) December 15, 2023

Irving will be accompanied in the bowl game by Heisman finalist quarterback Bo Nix, who will also suit up one last time as a Duck.

The star back led the Ducks in rushing yards each of the past two years with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. 

He averaged 6.2 yards a carry and finished the regular season with 1,063 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. The 5-foot-10 back also made an impact as a receiver, hauling in 53 passes for 395 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Irving had his worst performance of the season against Washington in the Pac-12 Championship, rushing for just 20 yards on nine carries. He’ll look to end his college career on a better note.

The Oregon running back room has seen some movement lately, with true freshman Dante Dowdell entering the transfer portal on Thursday. The Ducks have one running back committed in Da'Jaun Riggs out of Washington, D.C. St. John's.

The staff is also hosting Northwest Missouri State transfer Jay Harris for a visit this weekend, as they continue to evaluate their options for the 2024 season. Running back Noah Whittington suffered a season-ending injury against Colorado in September and has yet to announce his plans for next season.

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