The battle for one of the nation’s most electric running backs has taken a dramatic twist—and some of college football’s biggest names are suddenly on the outside looking in.
Recruiting season is in full throttle, and with every passing day, another blue-chip prospect makes a career-defining move. But few announcements have sent shockwaves through the college football world like that of Deshonne Redeaux, the four-star running back who just confirmed his top six schools—leaving two of the sport’s most high-profile coaches, Sherrone Moore and Kirby Smart, stunned in the process.
At 5-foot-9.5 and 180 pounds, the Oaks Christian speedster has been one of the most sought-after backs in the 2026 recruiting class. Ranked No. 12 at his position and No. 115 nationally, Redeaux’s junior season was nothing short of breathtaking—over 1,200 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, and breakaway speed that leaves defenders grasping at air. So, when he finally unveiled his final six choices, the college football world braced for impact.
The schools still in contention? Oregon, USC, Washington, UCLA, Michigan, and Georgia—an absolute who’s who of powerhouse programs. And yet, the most stunning development? Two of college football’s titans, Sherrone Moore’s Michigan Wolverines and Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs, are barely hanging on in the race.
So, what happened? How did these two recruiting powerhouses find themselves struggling to gain ground? And more importantly, where is Redeaux actually leaning?
Oregon Steals the Spotlight—And Possibly the Lead
While programs like Michigan and Georgia are fighting to stay in the race, Oregon may have just taken the lead—and they aren’t looking back.
Redeaux’s recent visit to Eugene wasn’t just another routine recruiting trip—it was a game-changer. The moment he landed, the Ducks coaching staff rolled out the red carpet, making it clear that he’s not just a target—he’s the target.
“From the time I got there at the airport, everyone was checking on me and making sure I was good,” Redeaux told On3. “They showed me from the start that they cared about me. Coach Lanning spent a lot of time with me; Coach Samples went into great detail with me, and so many things showed me what I mean to them.”
That’s the kind of personal touch that wins recruiting battles.
Even though the Ducks already secured a commitment from RB Tradarian, that hasn’t stopped them from making Redeaux a priority. Oregon is pushing hard for a second elite back, and if their efforts pay off, they could be building one of the scariest rushing attacks in the country.
And here’s the kicker—Redeaux is planning another visit to Eugene this spring.
Translation? Oregon is sitting in the driver’s seat.
Sherrone Moore’s Uphill Climb—Can Michigan Stay in the Fight?
At one point, Michigan seemed to have a real shot at landing Redeaux. The Wolverines cracked his early cut in August, and they haven’t taken their foot off the gas since.
Running backs coach Tony Alford even made a special trip last month, ensuring that Redeaux knew Michigan was all-in. But here’s the problem—Michigan isn’t just focused on Redeaux.
The Wolverines are also in the mix for Savion Hiter and Javian Osborne, two other top-tier backs. If Redeaux wants a guaranteed early role, Michigan’s crowded backfield could be a tougher sell.
That said, Sherrone Moore isn’t going down without a fight. Michigan’s pitch? Winning culture, championship pedigree, and an elite running back tradition. But is that enough to keep pace with the West Coast powers?
Georgia’s Last-Ditch Effort—Is Kirby Smart Already Too Late?
If Michigan is in trouble, Georgia might be in even deeper water.
On February 3rd, Redeaux visited Athens and spent time with Kirby Smart and his coaching staff. It was a pivotal moment—a chance for Georgia to solidify themselves as a serious contender.
But the problem? There’s no sign that Georgia has actually gained ground.
The Bulldogs are deep in talent, and while Smart has a history of landing NFL-caliber backs, Redeaux hasn’t shown the same level of enthusiasm for Georgia as he has for other programs.
Could a late push change that? Possibly. But right now, the Bulldogs are trailing behind Oregon, USC, and UCLA.
The In-State Threat—USC & UCLA Refuse to Back Down
If there’s one thing that could derail Oregon’s momentum, it’s USC and UCLA.
For Redeaux, staying close to home has always been an appealing option. Both programs have hosted him multiple times, and both are making it crystal clear that he’d be a featured star in their backfield.
Could one of these California powers pull off a late steal?
USC, in particular, has history on their side—they’ve landed elite backs from Southern California for years. But UCLA’s aggressive push under new leadership is turning heads, and Redeaux has built strong relationships with their staff.
One thing’s for certain: the West Coast battle is far from over.
What Matters Most to Deshonne Redeaux?
At the end of the day, Redeaux has made one thing abundantly clear—this decision isn’t just about football.
“It will be about how the staff and people treat me,” Redeaux told On3. “Life outside of football is also something I am looking hard at. I will know about the football stuff at the schools I am looking at, so I want to know more about life outside of football and if the coaches care about the players.”
Translation? This is about relationships, culture, and fit—NOT just X’s and O’s.
That’s why Oregon’s family-first approach has given them an edge. It’s why USC and UCLA aren’t out of the fight yet. And it’s why Michigan and Georgia need to do something drastic to stay in the race.
Washington’s Dark Horse Play—Can the Huskies Shock the World?
Just when you thought this recruiting battle couldn’t get any more chaotic, Washington is making a sneaky push to land Redeaux.
Why? Speed.
Redeaux isn’t just a powerful runner—he’s blazing fast, clocking a ridiculous 10.42 in the 100 meters. Washington loves backs with elite track speed, and their history of pulling top RBs from California is undeniable.
Need proof? Look at legends like Napoleon Kaufman, Hugh McElhenny, Beno Bryant, Rashaan Shehee, and Chris Polk. The Huskies have a blueprint for turning speedsters into college stars and NFL draft picks.
Could Redeaux be next? If he’s looking for a system that maximizes speed and explosiveness, Washington could be the wild card that shakes up everything.
Final Verdict—Where is Redeaux Headed?
At this stage, anything can happen. The battle for Deshonne Redeaux is far from over, and multiple programs are still in the fight.
✅ Oregon: Leading the pack after a game-changing visit.
✅ USC & UCLA: Keeping the pressure on with the home-state advantage.
✅ Michigan & Georgia: Fighting to stay in contention—but slipping.
✅ Washington: The ultimate wild card with a history of turning speedsters into stars.
With spring visits on the horizon, the final decision could come down to the wire.
So, where will one of the most electric backs in the nation land?
Stay tuned—this recruiting battle is far from over.
