Commit Impact: 4-Star RB Tradarian Ball Brings Texas Speed, LaMichael Legacy to Eugene

 

Dan Lanning’s Texas pipeline has struck gold again.

This time it’s 2026 four-star running back Tradarian Ball out of Texas High School in Texarkana, who announced his commitment to Oregon while in Eugene for the Ducks’ annual Saturday Night Live camp. The dynamic playmaker chose the Ducks over a national offer sheet that included Texas, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Miami, capping a recruitment that saw nearly 40 Power Four programs offer.

Ball becomes the second commit in Oregon’s 2026 class, joining wide receiver Tony Cumberland, and his pledge gives the Ducks a headliner on offense with early star power.

Ranked No. 55 overall and the No. 5 running back nationally by the On3 Industry Rankings, Ball is more than just another highly touted skill player. He’s a legacy-in-the-making. A Texarkana native like former Oregon All-American and Doak Walker Award winner LaMichael James, Ball says that connection played a significant role in his decision.

“Me and LaMichael, we have a good relationship,” Ball said. “He’s one of the main reasons why I made my decision to go to Oregon. He’s a very, very good player—could be a good coach if he wanted to—but he’s a very nice guy.”

Ball’s resume speaks for itself. As a junior in 2024, he piled up 777 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on a blistering 11.4 yards per carry while also torching defenses with 44 catches for 1,017 yards and 14 more scores—averaging 23.1 yards per reception. That followed a 1,285-yard sophomore campaign on the ground and an 11-touchdown freshman debut that earned him all-district honors.

And he’s still getting better.

Ball's versatility as both a running back and pass-catcher mirrors the hybrid skillset Oregon’s staff covets in its backs. His blend of speed, vision, and route-running ability gives the Ducks a potential every-down threat and weapon in the passing game—something that aligns with Lanning’s evolving offensive vision under coordinator Will Stein.

Oregon running backs coach Rashaad Samples was instrumental in closing the deal.

“I knew Coach Samples well before he came to Oregon,” Ball said. “What I’d say he brings different is communication. He treats you like he’s your family. He knows his stuff, and you can tell that he’s been at every coaching level—from NFL to college to everything.”

Ball’s commitment also represents a broader momentum play for the Ducks in Texas, a key recruiting battleground. While Oregon has made inroads across the Southeast and Southern California, landing a top-5 national back from Texas—especially over in-state programs like Texas and A&M—sends a loud message about the Ducks’ staying power deep in SEC country.

And it’s not just Ball’s game that stands out. He’s already taking on a leadership role in the class.

“Honestly, I put my spare time in trying to recruit for Oregon,” he said. “I know we got Kendre [Harrison], the number one tight end in the country, so I’d probably say I brought in a couple of that… I’m pretty sure all the other recruits at Oregon are putting in their time.”

Ball’s leadership, humility, and hunger for development were also on display during his time at the Polynesian Bowl—a proving ground for elite national talent.

“Really, just getting with coaches and learning something that I don’t normally learn,” he said. “Talking with other coaches, learning from other players in the world that I don’t know—just listening and having open ears.”

His visit to Eugene sealed the deal—though not because of any over-the-top recruiting pitch.

“It just felt like Texarkana to me,” Ball said. “It felt like not too big of a place—a good town like Eugene. I just liked the people there… The facilities stood out the most. It’s very nice—one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. It’s huge. They’ve got a lot of resources.”

Oregon's running back room will undergo some turnover in the coming years, with veterans set to graduate and the need for explosive playmakers to step up. Ball projects as a cornerstone piece for Oregon’s 2026 offense, and if his high school production is any indication, he could make an early impact.

He’s already thinking like a Duck.

“Really, my biggest goal is just being a team player,” he said. “Helping my teammates out, being more outspoken at practice, more outspoken in games, just making our team better.”

In the end, Ball's commitment brings Oregon not only a nationally ranked playmaker—but a program-builder with leadership DNA and a connection to one of the Ducks' all-time greats. That’s the kind of addition that resonates across a recruiting class.

“Let’s go Ducks,” Ball said simply when asked for his final message.

LaMichael James walked so Tradarian Ball could run—and Ducks fans should be excited about where this next journey could lead.