Noah Whittington

NFL Draft Profile: Noah Whittington

Position: Running Back | School: Oregon (via Western Kentucky) | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 5'8" | Weight: 203 lbs | Archetype: Elusive / Receiving Back

College Career Summary

Noah Whittington’s career is defined by resilience. After a breakout 2021 season at Western Kentucky, he transferred to Oregon and immediately formed a dynamic duo with Bucky Irving. His 2023 season was tragically cut short by a torn ACL against Colorado, an injury that forced a grueling year-long recovery.

In 2025, Whittington returned as a sixth-year senior and the vocal leader of the Ducks' backfield. Though he operated in a committee with Jordan James and Jordon Davison, he remained the team’s "big play" threat and a special teams weapon (highlighted by a 100-yard kick return in late 2024). His final collegiate season was his most efficient, averaging 6.7+ yards per carry and proving that his pre-injury "juice" was fully intact.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Rushing: 133 carries, 886 Yds, 7 TD (6.7 avg)

• Receiving: 17 receptions, 88 Yds, 1 TD

• Special Teams: 6 KR, 126 Yds

• Total Scrimmage Yards: 974 Yards

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rush/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Montana St	6/35/0	B	Set the tone with a 35-yard run on the first play.
2	vs Oklahoma St	8/124/2	A+	Elite. 59-yard TD run; 15.5 YPC efficiency.
3	@ Oregon State	10/68/1	A-	Clinical execution in the Civil War.
5	@ UCLA	12/55/0	B-	Gritty performance; reliable on passing downs.
6	vs Michigan State	11/72/1	B+	Showcased vision against a stout interior.
7	vs Ohio State	9/44/0	B	Solid in a high-pressure environment; elite pass pro.
8	@ Purdue	7/38/1	B+	Limited touches but found the end zone.
9	vs Illinois	13/82/0	A-	Patient running style; kept the chains moving.
10	@ Michigan	9/41/1	B	Scored in the Big House; tough yards in traffic.
11	@ Iowa	17/118/0	A	The Workhorse. Navigated a brutal Iowa front.
12	vs Minnesota	8/72/1	A-	40-yard TD run; elite top-end speed displayed.
13	vs USC	19/104/1	A	Controlled the clock; 126 total yards.
14	@ Washington	17/47/0	C+	Stifled by rivalry intensity; struggled for room.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 98/100

• Leadership: The "culture-setter" for Dan Lanning; praised as a father and a graduate leader.

• Mental Toughness: Recovered from a devastating ACL injury in record time.

• Competitor: Plays with a "Peach County" grit; never has a bad day at practice.

• Star Power: High; often generates the "spark" play to start games.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 82/100

• Height/Weight: 5'8", 203 lbs. (Below the 5'10"/215lb targets).

• Stamina: High; capable of handling 20+ touches when the "hot hand."

• Durability: Stayed healthy for the full 2025 season; proved the knee holds up.

• Injury History: Concern. ACL (2023) is the primary medical check for NFL teams.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 90/100

• Ball Security: Solid, though a near-fumble vs Minnesota in 2025 showed minor lapse.

• Vision: Elite. One of the best at sensing blocks in Dan Lanning's zone-run scheme.

• Contact Balance: Exceptional for a 200lb back; runs with a low center of gravity.

• Catching: Very consistent; natural hands with 88+ career receptions.

• Pass Block: Strength. High-effort blocker who takes pride in protecting the QB.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Speed: Elite. Logged 20.8 MPH in 2025; one of the fastest players in the country.

• Agility: "Flytrap feet"; can change direction without losing momentum.

• Acceleration: Reaches top speed within three steps.

• Break Tackle: Uses lateral twitch and a nasty stiff arm to make defenders miss.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 96/100

• Awareness: High. Understands spacing, leverage, and all special teams roles.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Game-breaking vertical speed; elite pass-blocking technicality; high-end receiving floor; proven resilience and leadership; "one-cut" efficiency in zone schemes.

• Weaknesses: Lacks the size to be a traditional "bell-cow"; 2023 ACL injury requires thorough medical review; upright running style in the open field can invite big hits.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal for Outside Zone or RPO-based offenses (e.g., Rams, Dolphins, Eagles).

• NFL Comparison: Darrell Henderson Jr. / Kyren Williams.

Scout's Final Word

"Noah Whittington is a 'connector' back. He connects the run game to the pass game with his hands, and he connects the locker room with his leadership. While he may lack the prototype 215-lb frame, his 20.8 MPH game speed and his willingness to stone a blitzing linebacker make him a Day 3 steal. He is a high-floor player who will carve out a long career as a change-of-pace weapon. Projected: Round 5–6."