Prediction: Oregon Ducks poised to add nation's No. 1 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)