Brandon Smith Steps Up as Oregon Heads to OSU
With Jordon Davison sidelined, the freshman back takes a bigger role in Saturday's road game at Ohio State.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Running
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Oregon freshman running back Brandon Smith rushed eight times for 82 yards and a touchdown in the Ducks' win over Northwestern, a performance that comes as Oregon prepares to play at Ohio State this Saturday with Jordon Davison sidelined, giving Smith a larger role for Oregon readers following the team.
Why it matters
With Davison out, Smith's workload is expected to grow in a game that could affect Oregon's chances of returning to the College Football Playoff mix. For Oregon fans, the development shows how depth at a key position can shift a season quickly.
The figures come from Oregon's game statistics across several contests this season, showing Smith's carries and yardage in individual games. Sample sizes are small, so the numbers describe a short stretch of play rather than a long-term pattern.
The players
Brandon Smith
Oregon freshman running back and former four-star prospect from Fresno, California, wearing No. 26.
Jordon Davison
Oregon running back who is currently sidelined, opening the door for Smith's increased role.
The details
Smith gained yardage through speed, vision, and elusiveness on his carries against Northwestern. He has seen limited opportunities this season behind Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill, so his expanded role reflects a change in the depth chart rather than a new scheme. The Ohio State matchup will test whether those skills hold up against a stronger defense.
Timeline
Saturday (November 7, 2026): Oregon plays at Ohio State with Smith in a bigger role.
Health Landscape
Comparisons to Saquon Barkley's Penn State career frame Smith as a runner with a similar build of speed and elusiveness, a profile college programs often seek. For running athletes, the rise of a freshman in a demanding role highlights how workload management and depth matter across a season.
For runners and athletes tracking their own training, Smith's rising workload is a reminder that sudden increases in carries or mileage can stress the body, so gradual progression is worth respecting. If you are building up your own training load, it is worth discussing a plan with a physician or sports medicine professional.
The takeaway
Sudden jumps in workload, whether in a college backfield or your own training log, deserve steady progression and recovery time. If you are increasing your running volume, consider checking in with a sports medicine clinician about pacing.
What happens next
Oregon plays at Ohio State this Saturday, November 7, 2026, the next test of Smith's expanded workload.
Further reading
Explore more college and training coverage in our Running section for context on how athletes build durability through a demanding season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
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