If you're a San Francisco 49ers fan with an eye on the future, you'll want to keep tabs on a former Oregon Duck who's generating serious buzz as a breakout candidate for the 2026 season.

Running back Jordan James spent most of his rookie campaign in 2025 watching from the sidelines, but that could be about to change in a big way. Drafted in the fifth round, James found himself buried on a depth chart that featured superstar Christian McCaffrey—arguably the NFL's most dynamic back—and veteran Brian Robinson Jr., who was brought in specifically to serve as the primary backup. That left James as the odd man out, appearing in just three regular-season games without a single carry.

But the winds of change are blowing through Santa Clara. The 49ers allowed Robinson to walk in free agency and made no major additions at the position, leaving the door wide open for James to step into the No. 2 role behind McCaffrey. And if you need proof that the coaching staff is taking notice, look no further than the NFC Divisional Playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks, where James finally got his chance and delivered—six carries for 28 yards and a seven-yard reception in his first real taste of NFL action.

Now, with the 49ers publicly committed to lightening McCaffrey's workload after a punishing 2025 campaign, the stage is set for James to make his move. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak has made it clear he wants to implement a more rotational approach in the backfield, saying, "When you look around the league and study great backs... those guys do come out of the game. Christian knows that, and we've got to do a better job of getting a better rotation."

For a player who went from being an afterthought to a potential breakout star, the opportunity is golden. Whether you're stocking up on 49ers gear for the new season or just love a good underdog story, Jordan James is a name you'll want to remember.