EUGENE – The Oregon Ducks are gearing up for a highly competitive 2026 college football season, particularly within their wide receiver corps. Despite returning talented players such as former five-star recruit Dakorien Moore and seasoned veteran Evan Stewart, analysts have ranked several other wide receivers above Oregon’s contingent, as highlighted in a recent top-eight list by Bleacher Report that did not include any Ducks players.
Moore and Stewart have established themselves as significant assets for the Ducks. Moore, who faced challenges during his true freshman season, still managed to record three receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. His athleticism was on full display when he famously hurdled a defender from Montana State in his first collegiate game. Moore’s dedication to the team is evident, as he willingly contributes by blocking for his teammates. With a healthy sophomore year on the horizon, Moore has the potential to build on his performance from 2025.
Stewart, who did not participate in the 2025 season due to a torn patellar tendon, previously shone as one of the Ducks’ key offensive players. In 2024, he recorded five touchdowns and accumulated 613 receiving yards, including a standout performance against the No. 2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, where he tallied 149 yards and a touchdown. He also had another game with over 100 yards against Boise State, a team that reached the College Football playoffs.
Competition Intensifies in Oregon’s Wide Receiver Room
The combination of Moore and Stewart has the potential to form one of the nation’s top wide receiver duos in 2026. Moore aims to reaffirm his status as a premier talent, while Stewart seeks to reclaim his pre-injury form. The Ducks will face stiff competition from notable wide receivers in the Big Ten, particularly Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State, who was the top player at his position in the previous recruiting cycle. Smith has surpassed 1,200 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, finishing with 15 touchdowns as a freshman and 12 in his sophomore year.
Another player to watch is Malachi Toney from the Miami Hurricanes. Toney put up impressive numbers in his true freshman year, amassing 1,211 receiving yards and ten touchdown receptions. With changes occurring within Miami’s offense, he is expected to enhance those statistics in his sophomore year.
The competitive landscape for wide receivers in college football is robust for the upcoming season. Other talents such as Charlie Becker from the Indiana Hoosiers and Duce Robinson from Florida State Seminoles are also anticipated to have standout seasons.
Moore and Stewart will not only contend with each other but also face competition from Iverson Hooks, a transfer from UAB, incoming five-star recruit Jalen Lott, former five-star Gatlin Bair, and returning wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan. The intense competition within the Ducks’ wide receiver room could ultimately enhance the team’s performance.
If Moore and Stewart manage to secure their positions as top players in a talent-rich Oregon squad, they have a strong chance to establish themselves among the elite wide receivers nationally. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on these athletes as they strive to prove their worth and elevate the Ducks’ offensive game.
