The heat is on in Eugene! The Oregon Ducks are pulling out all the stops to land elite 2027 running back Caden Waye, especially with a huge rivalry game visit looming. Can Dan Lanning and his staff convince this national phenom that Autzen Stadium is his future home, or will another top program steal the show?

The Oregon Ducks are making a significant play in the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, focusing their efforts on Caden Waye, a highly coveted four-star running back from the class of 2027. His upcoming visit to Autzen Stadium for the intense rivalry game against the Oregon State Beavers presents a crucial opportunity for head coach Dan Lanning and his staff to solidify their position for this elite prospect.

Waye, hailing from Ola High School in McDonough, Georgia, has already established himself as a national phenom despite entering only his junior year. With an impressive physique at 5-11, 195 pounds, he consistently ranks among the top 15 running backs nationally across major recruiting services like ESPN, Rivals, and On3, underscoring his immense potential and attracting over 30 offers from premier programs nationwide.

His fall schedule is packed with visits to top-tier programs, including Texas, Ole Miss, Ohio State, and, of course, Oregon. A particularly significant date on his calendar is his October 4th visit to Ohio State, a program that stands as a major rival in the recruitment landscape. This visit will be a critical test for the Oregon Ducks’ pursuit, as both schools boast a rich history of developing running back talent into NFL professionals.

The rivalry between the Oregon Ducks football program and the Ohio State Buckeyes extends beyond the field and deeply into the recruiting trails, especially for a position as vital as running back. Both institutions can point to a long line of successful ball carriers who have transitioned from college stardom to NFL success, a factor Caden Waye explicitly prioritizes in his decision-making process.

However, the Ducks hold a distinct advantage, having already laid considerable groundwork with Waye through multiple visits he made to Eugene during the spring. This established in-person connection provides a valuable head start, allowing the coaching staff to build a deeper rapport and present a clearer vision for his future at the program.

Waye has openly articulated his recruitment priorities, emphasizing a desire for a school that will meticulously prepare him for both the next level of football and a successful future beyond the sport. His focus extends beyond just game-day excitement, looking for a comprehensive developmental environment.

During his visits, Waye will be acutely observing how teams adapt in-game, the coaching styles employed by the staff, and crucially, how running backs are utilized in both the ground attack and the passing game. These tactical considerations are paramount for him as he assesses where his skills can best be honed and showcased.

For Oregon’s running backs coach, Ra’Shaad Samples, the upcoming visit is an opportunity to provide Caden Waye with an authentic and transparent look into the program’s operations on game days. Demonstrating the detailed workings of the running back position group will be key in illustrating how the Oregon Ducks football system can fulfill Waye’s ambitious collegiate and professional aspirations.