Evan Stewart’s Injury Shakeup
Senior Evan Stewart, Oregon’s leading receiver in 2024 (48 catches for 613 yards and 5 TDs), suffered a torn patellar tendon in early June. Recovery is projected at 6–12 months—likely sidelining him for much or all of the season and raising the possibility of a medical redshirt . With no official team statement yet, the redshirt senior’s absence opens a significant void in the Ducks’ pass-catching unit .
🔧 New Coaching Direction
Ross Douglas was brought in in February 2025 as Oregon’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, replacing Junior Adams . He arrived after a strong season at Syracuse, where his receivers improved route execution, screening, and short-to-intermediate timing—areas Oregon struggled in 2024 . The Ducks aim to replicate that efficiency and discipline in their own unit.
🌟 Top Candidates & Position Battle
With Stewart likely sidelined and Tez Johnson now in the NFL, several players are vying to emerge:
- Dakorien Moore — a true freshman and the consensus No. 1 wide receiver in the 2025 recruiting class. He immediately becomes the lead candidate in the absence of Stewart .
- Justius Lowe — a redshirt junior who caught 21 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown in 2024. He enters fall camp healthy and ready to compete .
- Jurrion Dickey — redshirt sophomore, former five-star with elite size at 6’2″. He has logged just two catches in his career but offers physical upside and growth potential .
- Malik Benson — a senior transfer who played at Alabama and Florida State, totaling 38 catches for 473 yards in those stints. He brings experience and proven mid-tier production to the room .
- Other contributors under the microscope: Gary Bryant Jr. (RS senior with injury-missed 2024), Kyler Kasper, Jeremiah McClellan, and newcomer Dillion Gresham, who impressed in the spring game
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