Evan Stewart says coming back to Oregon in 2026 was a 'no-brainer'
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Ducks WR Evan Stewart revealed no doubts about returning to Oregon, lauding his teammates and noting of big goals.
The past calendar year hasn't been the easiest for Evan Stewart . The former 5-star wide receiver was expected to step in as the Oregon Ducks ' No. 1 option out wide a year ago, with some draft analysts predicting that he'd be a first-round pick come the 2026 NFL Draft.
He'd had a solid 2024 campaign with the Ducks, finishing as the team's third-leading receiver — but more meat remained on the bone, with the 2025 season presumably acting as his full-blown breakout as the featured guy in the receiver room before jetting off to the pros. That was the expectation until he tore his patellar tendon in June, which ended his season prematurely. While he tried to make a comeback in the postseason and even warmed up with the team prior to their College Football Playoff First Round matchup against the James Madison Dukes, Stewart didn't play a single snap all year.
He watched as true freshman 5b -star Dakorien Moore assumed the No. 1 receiver role early in the season and senior Malik Benson stepped up late, revealing a strong and deep position room. Oregon went far, reaching the CFP Semifinal, but all of it came without Stewart, who's not only trying to use the 2026 season as a way of demonstrating him own skills but also catapulting the Ducks to the top of college football.
"I see myself as a highly talented player," Stewart told reporters on Saturday. "I think I can bring a lot to the table. And the thing is, I got to showcase it.