Oregon Ducks Commit Tradarian Ball Addresses Flip To Texas Longhorns, Steve Sarkisian
In a period where college football recruiting is filled with surprises and drama, the recruitment of Tradarian Ball has been one of the most closely followed storylines. A highly coveted running back prospect from Texarkana, Texas, Ball initially committed to the Oregon Ducks in July 2024. However, in recent weeks, rumors have swirled that he might flip his commitment to the Texas Longhorns, one of the most prominent football programs in the country. Ball’s situation has been under intense scrutiny, particularly with the Longhorns’ head coach, Steve Sarkisian, reportedly making efforts to persuade the young running back to change his mind.
As with most high-profile recruits, the decision is never final until a player signs their National Letter of Intent. Therefore, this drama surrounding Ball’s recruitment has caught the attention of both Texas and Oregon fans, as well as college football analysts. However, Tradarian Ball recently addressed these rumors and provided some clarity on the situation, dismissing the idea of a flip to Texas.
The Rise of Tradarian Ball
Tradarian Ball’s journey to the recruiting spotlight began during his time at Texas High School in Texarkana, where he quickly gained a reputation for his athleticism, speed, and vision on the field. Known as a dynamic playmaker, Ball amassed impressive numbers during his high school career, showcasing his potential as one of the top running backs in the country. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has the size to be an every-down back at the next level. Ball’s combination of speed and power has made him a coveted recruit, and multiple top-tier college football programs have shown serious interest in him.
Despite his Texas roots, Ball committed to Oregon in July 2024, a decision that shocked many recruiting analysts and college football fans alike. The Oregon Ducks, under the leadership of head coach Dan Lanning, had been aggressively pursuing Ball, with their running backs coach, Ra’Shaad Samples, playing a pivotal role in securing his commitment. Samples, who has a strong reputation as a recruiter, was instrumental in Ball’s decision, helping to establish a bond with the recruit that ultimately led to his verbal commitment.
The Texas Longhorns and Coach Steve Sarkisian
Although Ball initially chose Oregon, the Texas Longhorns have never stopped pursuing him. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, known for his offensive mind and ability to develop talented skill players, has made it clear that he is interested in securing Ball’s services. Texas is also known for its rich tradition and historical success in college football, making the Longhorns an attractive option for top recruits. However, Texas’ pursuit of Ball is not without complications.
Sarkisian, who has overseen the development of several talented running backs during his time at Texas, has had a strong focus on recruiting elite players at every position, including running back. With the Longhorns’ offense undergoing a transformation, the addition of a running back with Ball’s skills would be a significant boon. In January 2024, Sarkisian made a visit to Texas High School in Texarkana to personally meet with Ball and discuss the possibility of joining the Longhorns. This move sparked rumors that Ball was reconsidering his commitment to Oregon and might be leaning toward flipping to Texas.
The Rumors and the Response from Tradarian Ball
As with any high-profile recruit, rumors can spread like wildfire. Over the past few weeks, recruiting circles were abuzz with the possibility of Ball flipping his commitment to Texas. These rumors only intensified when Ball’s name started appearing in connection with Texas on various recruiting boards and social media platforms. For Oregon fans, the notion that their top commitment might change allegiances was a source of anxiety. Texas fans, on the other hand, were hopeful that they might land one of the best running backs in the 2025 class.
Despite the noise surrounding his recruitment, Tradarian Ball took to social media to put the rumors to rest. In a straightforward response to the speculation, Ball wrote on his Twitter account, “Don’t think so.” This simple yet direct message made it clear that he remained committed to Oregon, despite the ongoing efforts by Texas to sway him. Ball’s response was widely regarded as a firm declaration that he had no intentions of flipping his commitment to the Longhorns.
The Role of Oregon and Coach Ra’Shaad Samples
While rumors of a flip to Texas might have put some pressure on Ball, Oregon remains a serious contender for his commitment. Coach Ra’Shaad Samples, who has played a pivotal role in recruiting Ball, continues to be a major factor in his decision. Samples’ reputation as a strong recruiter and his ability to connect with players on a personal level have undoubtedly influenced Ball’s commitment to Oregon. The Ducks, under Coach Dan Lanning, have built a strong football program that has continued to grow in recent years, and Ball has the potential to be a key piece in their future success.
Oregon’s style of play and offensive scheme also align well with Ball’s skill set. The Ducks run an up-tempo offense that utilizes speed and quickness, two attributes that Ball excels in. Ball’s vision, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field would make him a perfect fit for Oregon’s offensive system. The relationship he has built with Samples and the Oregon coaching staff is another reason why Ball has remained committed to the Ducks, despite Texas’ best efforts.
Texas’ Efforts and Coach Sarkisian’s Recruiting Strategy
Texas has not given up on securing Ball’s commitment. Coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff are well aware of Ball’s potential and have continued to recruit him aggressively. The Longhorns are coming off a successful season, which has only added to their allure as a program on the rise. Texas’ ability to develop NFL-caliber talent has been a selling point for Sarkisian, who has worked with a variety of star players during his coaching career. Landing Ball would add to the growing list of top recruits who have committed to Texas under Sarkisian’s leadership.
Sarkisian’s offense is designed to get the best out of his running backs, and Ball’s combination of size and speed would give the Longhorns a dynamic weapon in the backfield. With Texas moving toward a more balanced offensive attack, a player like Ball would complement their passing game and provide a strong ground presence. For Sarkisian, securing a commitment from Ball would represent a significant victory on the recruiting trail and further solidify Texas’ position as one of the top programs in college football.
The Recruiting Landscape and What’s Next
With Tradarian Ball firmly stating that he intends to honor his commitment to Oregon, the question now is what will happen next in the recruiting process. While it’s possible that other programs could continue to pursue him, Ball’s statement makes it clear that he is firmly set on his decision. For Oregon, this is good news, as they look to continue building a strong class for 2025. The Ducks are one of the premier programs in college football, and Ball’s commitment solidifies their standing as a powerhouse in recruiting.
For Texas, while this may be a setback in their efforts to land Ball, it doesn’t mean the end of their recruiting success. The Longhorns have a history of landing top talent, and Sarkisian’s track record of developing players suggests that they will continue to be a major force in the recruiting landscape. There are plenty of other talented running backs in the 2025 class, and Texas will no doubt continue to pursue other options to add depth to their backfield.