The Oregon Ducks football team has been hit hard by injuries at running back, especially during the College Football Playoff. But there’s finally some good news: key players are starting to bounce back.
One name worth keeping an eye on is Oregon redshirt sophomore Da’Jaun “Dink” Riggs. He’s gearing up for what could be a strong return in the 2026 season.
This article takes a look at Riggs’ journey, how he’s grown during his injury break, and what the future might hold for the Ducks’ running backs.
Da’Jaun “Dink” Riggs: A Promising Talent on the Mend
Riggs missed the back half of last season with injuries. Now, he’s on track to show what he can do in 2026.
As a freshman, folks compared Riggs to Bucky Irving, who’s now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even while sidelined, Riggs kept grinding—he’s been doing limited practices and should be fully back this spring.
Riggs’ Mental and Physical Growth
Ducks running back coach Ra’Shaad Samples says Riggs’ time off didn’t slow him down. If anything, it sped up his development.
Riggs was pushed to really learn the offense, communicate it, and even teach it from the sidelines. That mental work earned him trust and extra reps.
Samples pointed out that Riggs has put on weight, gotten stronger, and kept making gains in the weight room. All of that matters for a guy who already showed flashes in limited snaps.
Impressive Stats and Potential
In the 2025 season, before injuries struck, Riggs made the most of his chances. He had 28 carries for 168 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.1 yards per run.
He also put up 66 yards on just 10 carries against Oregon State and Rutgers. Those numbers suggest Riggs could be a real difference-maker when he’s healthy.
The Competitive Running Back Room
Once he’s back, Riggs will join a pretty stacked running back group with Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordon Davison. The room’s seen a lot of changes lately.
Noah Whittington left for the 2026 NFL Draft, and Makhi Hughes transferred to Houston. Jay Harris (Kansas State) and Jayden Limar (Washington Huskies) also hit the transfer portal.
New faces include Simeon Price from Colorado and freshmen Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith. It’s a busy, ever-changing group.
Opportunities for Riggs
Riggs steps into this mix with a better grasp of the playbook and a stronger build. The depth chart isn’t set in stone, so there’s a real shot for him to carve out a role.
His growth—both mental and physical—along with his feel for the offense, puts him in a good spot heading into 2026. It’s hard not to wonder how much of an impact he’ll have.
Spring Practices and Upcoming Game
Oregon’s spring football practices run through April and wrap up with the annual spring game at Autzen Stadium. That’s set for Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m. PT.
The game’s on the Big Ten Network, and admission is free. Should be a good chance to see the running back competition up close—and maybe get a sense of where Riggs stands.
As the Oregon Ducks deal with injuries and shifting rosters, Da’Jaun “Dink” Riggs is definitely someone to keep an eye on. He’s put in a lot of work, both mentally and physically, during his time away from the field.
That effort seems to have set him up for a real shot at making an impact. The running backs room is crowded, and the coaching staff is pretty supportive, so Riggs could end up being a difference-maker for the Ducks in 2026.
If you’re curious about more details on Oregon’s running back situation, check out Sports Illustrated.
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