Oregon Ducks Making a Strong Push for Rising Northern California Recruit
The Oregon Ducks are making an early push for one of Northern California’s fastest-rising running back prospects as his recruitment begins to heat up.
Oregon already has one highly regarded running back recruit making headlines to open the high school season. Class of 2027 commit CaDarius McMiller recently showcased his elite speed during a scrimmage for Tyler High in Texas.
However, Ducks fans should also keep an eye on another talented back. This prospect is based in California’s Bay Area and belongs to the 2028 recruiting class.
Oregon Targeting Northern California Running Back
Rivals recruiting insider Brandon Huffman reported on Aug. 23 that Pittsburg High standout Isaiah Harrison has quickly become a priority for Oregon in the 2028 cycle.
Harrison, who is entering his junior year, told Huffman that Oregon is among the schools whose offers have caught his attention the most.
The Ducks offered Harrison in June after he impressed during a camp at Autzen Stadium. According to Huffman, Harrison plans to return to Eugene for an Oregon home game later in 2026, giving the Ducks another opportunity to strengthen their relationship with the rising prospect.
Oregon has consistently recruited California, particularly the Bay Area. Current senior linebacker Jerry Mixon attended Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep in San Francisco, while freshman defensive lineman Tommy Tofi came from Archbishop Riordan. The Ducks also have a 2027 safety commit, Malakai Taufoou, from Junipero Serra in San Mateo.
Now, Oregon appears interested in adding another Bay Area standout to its future recruiting classes.
Harrison helped Pittsburg reach the CIF NorCal Division 1-A regional championship game last season before the Pirates fell to Central East of Fresno. That team was led by Brandon Smith, a running back who signed with Oregon in the 2026 class.
Why Isaiah Harrison Fits Oregon
Harrison currently holds a three-star rating, but a strong junior season could put him in position to earn a fourth star from the major recruiting services.
More importantly, his skill set already resembles the type of running back Oregon head coach Dan Lanning and his offensive staff have shown interest in developing.
Harrison immediately displays impressive acceleration once he gets the ball. He hits running lanes with explosive burst and can quickly change direction to make defenders miss.
He has also demonstrated that he is much more than simply a speed back. At 6-foot-0 and 190 pounds, Harrison has the physicality to absorb contact, break tackles, and keep moving through traffic. He has even used spin moves to escape defenders and extend plays.
His ability to gain yards in multiple ways makes him an intriguing fit for Oregon. Harrison can use his speed to create explosive plays, but he is also willing to fight through contact and earn tough yards.
That versatility is likely one reason the Ducks have made him an early priority. Still, Oregon faces plenty of competition for his commitment.
Oregon’s Biggest Competition
Cal is one of the programs that deserves close attention in Harrison’s recruitment. The Golden Bears offered him early and have a strong local presence. They are also coached by former Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, who has quickly established himself as an effective recruiter at Cal.
Arizona State is another program pushing hard for Harrison. The Sun Devils are led by Kenny Dillingham, who also has a connection to Oregon after serving as the Ducks’ offensive coordinator in 2022.
Harrison’s recruitment is likely to take plenty of time, with several programs expected to remain involved throughout the 2028 cycle. For Oregon, though, the Ducks have already established an early relationship with the Northern California standout and appear determined to keep that momentum going.
If Harrison continues developing at his current pace, Oregon could have a legitimate opportunity to land one of the Bay Area’s most intriguing running back prospects in the class of 2028.
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