Noah Whittington is back.

The former Western Kentucky running back confirmed on social media Friday afternoon that he will return for a third year with the Ducks in 2024. Whittington was a fixture in the backfield in 2022, but an injury suffered early in the 2023 campaign sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

With Bucky Irving heading to the NFL Draft, Whittington figures to have a featured role within the offense next fall.

During his first season in Eugene, Whittington ran for 779 yards and five touchdowns on 139 carries. He also made 22 receptions out of the backfield. His skillset partnered nicely with Irving and Oregon punished teams with one of the top one-two backfield punches in the conference.

More of the same was expected in 2023, but Whittington was slowed at the start of the season and then left the Colorado game with an injury that proved to be season-ending. He finished the campaign with 20 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

With Whittington back in 2024, the Ducks could use another two-headed approach and partner Whittington with Jordan James, who ran for 759 yards and 11 scores this season. Oregon has also added Jay Harris, a D2 first-team All-American with Northwest Missouri State last season.