Evan Stewart's Return and Optimism

Evan Stewart, Oregon's most experienced wide receiver, is preparing for a comeback season after missing the entire 2025 campaign with a torn patellar tendon. The Ducks will open their 2026 season against Boise State on Sept. 5 at Autzen Stadium, and Stewart is expected to be a key part of a talented receiving corps.

Stewart's injury occurred during a workout the previous summer. He had been sidelined late in the 2024 season as well, missing the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State. Despite the setbacks, he has remained optimistic and energetic, a trait teammates describe as infectious.

"I think I just always like to have fun," Stewart said during a recent fall camp team-bonding event, where he knew all the lyrics to Miley Cyrus' 2009 hit "Party in the A."

Praise for Dakorien Moore

Stewart, who has 1 million TikTok followers and is known for his bright smile, has been impressed by fellow wide receiver Dakorien Moore, a five-star recruit from the 2025 class who played as a true freshman. Moore recorded 34 receptions for 497 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games.

"Dakorien is just being coachable, just still growing into his maturity, and he's a dynamic player, as we know," Stewart said. "So it's really just honing in on his talents and building every single day is what I've seen, and that's what he's doing."

Moore, rated the No. 1 wide receiver in his high school class, is considered a prime candidate to be Oregon's most improved player this season. Stewart's experience and leadership are expected to aid Moore's development.

Stewart's Journey and Coach's Endorsement

Stewart began his college career at Texas A&M, playing there from 2022 to 2023 before transferring to Oregon. In 2024, he recorded 48 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns, serving as a productive option behind Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden.

Coach Dan Lanning, known for being guarded in his assessments, has named Stewart as the player most poised for a breakout. Stewart acknowledged the rare endorsement.

"It was greatly appreciated, just because I know that, as y'all know, he never answers those type of questions," Stewart said. "So, it caught me kind of off guard, too. When people were telling me, I had to go and watch it to make sure that people weren't lying, you know what I'm saying?"

Stewart also spoke about his bond with quarterback Dante Moore, who was visibly emotional when Stewart suffered his injury. The connection has strengthened over the past year.

"We've been hot, for sure," Stewart said. "I don't think I've had this type of connection with a quarterback in a minute, dating back to..."