Prediction: Oregon Ducks poised to add nation's No. 1 uncommitted running back

Oregon appears poised to add the nation's top uncommitted running back

The nation's top five running backs in the class of 2024 are already off the board.

Sitting at No. 6 is O'Dea (Washington) star Jason Brown, who is formally down to a final three of Michigan State, Oregon and Washington.

For months, Michigan State appeared to be the clear-cut leader, but recent events involving Mel Tucker (and his likely termination) have greatly altered the recruiting picture.

Prediction: Jason Brown to Oregon Ducks

This weekend, the bruising 5-foot-10, 205-pound ball-carrier will be visiting Eugene for the game between Oregon and Colorado.

For Brown, it is the latest in a series of trips to check out the Ducks.

While the Spartans have been sliding back, the Washington star's visit schedule seems to indicate Oregon has become the team-to-beat for his services.

He hasn't yet set a commitment date, but it is beginning to feel as though Dan Lanning's program has a clear-cut lead over Washington and Michigan State given the turmoil surrounding the program. 

This season's on-field success among the running backs is another feather in Oregon's cap.

The Ducks boast five running backs who have already scored at least one touchdown - Bucky Irving, Noah Whittington, Jordan James, Jayden Limar and Dante Dowdell - and have one of the nation's most talented offensive lines. 

Adding to Oregon's case is its recent history recruiting the state of Washington.

The Ducks secured Rainier Beach five-star offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (2022) and Lake Stevens All-American running back Jayden Limar (2023) in back-to-back cycles.

This year, Oregon has again flexed its muscle, landing Yelm All-American linebacker and track and field star Brayden Platt and coveted Evergreen four-star offensive tackle Fox Crader.

Could Brown join them in a move down South?

It's not certain, but Brown's interest in the Ducks seems to be growing quickly at the right time.

Visit previews

- Have Oregon Ducks added a silent 5-star commitment? (Analysis)

- Jeremiah McClellan, Ohio State WR commit with 40-plus offers, visiting Oregon Ducks this weekend

- Jonah Williams, nation's No. 1 LB/S, expects 'crazy atmosphere' during Oregon visit

- Nation's No. 6 RB visiting Oregon - with Ducks emerging as team-to-beat late

- Brandon Lockhart, nation's No. 1 cornerback in 2026, on Oregon visit: 'I like the Ducks a lot'

- Tony Cumberland, nation's No. 2 DL in 2026, taking Oregon visit this weekend

Senior season (first three games)