The race for one of the top running backs in the 2027 recruiting class is nearing its finish line, and the Oregon Ducks are firmly in the mix. Four-star running
Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning visits with players before a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Autzen Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images The race for one of the top running backs in the 2027 recruiting class is nearing its finish line, and the Oregon Ducks are firmly in the mix.announced he will reveal his college commitment on May 19. He’ll choose between Florida, Virginia Tech, TCU, SMU, Oregon, Northwestern, and Oklahoma State.
Oregon fans line up for autographs from Duck players after the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene April 25, 2026 | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Arlington Martin standout has quickly become one of the most heavily pursued backs in the country after a dominant junior season in which he rushed for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns. NEWS: 4-star RB Javian Jones-Priest has locked in his commitment date“The Oregon staff is second to none,” Jones-Priest told Rivals.
“They really bring a family-oriented atmosphere up in Eugene. That’s something I’m high on during this process. I want to be able to compete at the highest level, but also feel like I’m a part of something bigger than just football. ”has built in Eugene over the last several years.
Oregon has become known nationally for combining elite-level football with a player-first culture, and that approach has resonated with recruits across the country, especially in Texas. Samples has deep ties throughout the Texas high school football scene. His experience coaching at SMU, TCU, and with the Houston Texans, combined with being the son of legendary Texas high school coach Reginald Samples, gives Oregon instant credibility in the state.
Dec 31, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Justin Hollins forces a fumble by Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images The Ducks also have familiarity with Jones-Priest’s high school program.
Oregon has successfully recruited Arlington Martin before, landing players like Justin Hollins, who later won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, along with defensive backs Stephen and Eric Amoako. Despite Oregon’s strong push, the Ducks still face major competition. Virginia Tech has emerged as one of the biggest threats in the race. According to recruiting projections from 247Sports, the Hokies are viewed as the current favorite to land Jones-Priest.
Virginia Tech has prioritized him throughout the process and already holds a top-20 recruiting class in 2027. Nov 19, 2025; Blacksburg, VA, USA; L-R, John Rocovich, Timothy Sands, James Franklin and Whit Babcock hold up a Virginia Tech jersey during the press conference celebrating Franklin as head coach at Cassell Coliseum.
Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images | Brian Bishop-Imagn Images The Hokies also recently secured a commitment from Top-100 quarterback Peter Bourque, who has reportedly been actively recruiting Jones-Priest to join him in Blacksburg. Then there is SMU, which may ultimately be the hometown program Oregon has to overcome. SMU sits just outside Arlington, making it one of the closest major programs to Jones-Priest’s home.
Because of that proximity, he has visited the Mustangs multiple times throughout his recruitment, and several recruiting outlets continue to give SMU the strongest confidence rating in his recruitment. December 23, 2008, San Diego, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ian Johnson is pushed out of bounds by Texas Christian Horned Frogs cornerback Rafael Priest during the fourth quarter of the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. TCU beat Boise State 17-16.
Mandatory Credit: Jody Gomez-Imagn Images | Jody Gomez-Imagn Images TCU is another school that cannot be overlooked. Jones-Priest is a legacy recruit for TCU, as his father, Rafael Priest, played for the Horned Frogs. That family connection has kept TCU heavily involved throughout the process. Lanning and his coaching staff have consistently embraced the mindset that “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” and the running back room has become one of the clearest examples of that philosophy.
Oregon running backs Jordon Davison, left and Dierre Hill Jr. warm up as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Oct. 25, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Last season, freshman backs Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordan Davison made an immediate impact for the Ducks.
Together, the duo combined for 1,323 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns during one of the most productive freshman seasons by an Oregon backfield. Davison alone finished tied for 13th nationally with 15 rushing touchdowns. For a player like Jones-Priest, that production sends a clear message: elite freshmen will get opportunities in Eugene.
Now, with his commitment date approaching, the Ducks will find out whether their relationships, development history, and culture are enough to beat out some of the toughest competition in the country. Olivia Cleary, commonly known as Liv, is a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. While pursuing a degree in journalism, Olivia has submersed herself in the world of Oregon athletics. Olivia is an intern within the athletic department.
This role has provided her with a unique perspective as she has created relationships with staff, administrators, and student-athletes. Olivia is eager to share her insights and analysis on the Ducks and the broader world of college sports.
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