Former Oregon running back Travis Dye announces commitment to USC
One of Oregon’s top players from the 2021 season is headed to play for a direct Pac-12 rival.
On Friday, former Oregon running back Travis Dye announced on Instagram that he has committed to play for USC.
After Dye entered the transfer portal last Friday, there was optimism around the program that he would potentially remove his name and return to Oregon.
However, he will now provide a major boost for first-year Trojan’s head coach Lincoln Riley.
Dye was one of the top offensive players in the conference last season and finished with 1,271 yards on 211 carries and 16 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 46 passes for 402 yards and two touchdowns.
Though he did not begin the season as the Ducks’ starting running back, Dye, a Norco, Calif. native, stepped in for injured starter CJ Verdell midway through the year and became the focal point of Joe Moorhead’s offense.
He will end his Oregon career as the Ducks’ No. 5 all-time rusher at 3,111 yards.
After Dye’s departure, the Ducks have Byron Cardwell, Seven McGee, and Sean Dollars set to return at running back. Trey Benson entered the transfer portal earlier this month and has since transferred to Florida State.
Verdell could still potentially return for his senior season. He has not publicly announced if he intends to enter the NFL Draft.
