Oregon WR Evan Stewart announces decision to return to school for 2025 season

On Tuesday, Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart announced he will be returning to Oregon for the 2025 campaign. Stewart finished this season with 48 catches for 613 yards and five touchdowns.

This season was Stewart’s first with Oregon. He transferred into the program after spending two seasons at Texas A&M, where he racked up 91 receptions for 1,163 yards and six scores.

Stewart had his best game of the season in Oregon’s 32-31 win over Ohio State during the regular season, erupting for seven catches, 149 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, Stewart was unable to play in Oregon’s rematch against the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning provided further details on Stewart’s absence after the game.

“He’s a dynamic player. He’s been great for us all year,” Lanning said. “He kind of got tweaked in pregame and had been able to practice but had been somewhat limited. But we thought he was going to be a potential go. 

“You know, leaned on the side of protecting the player, in that situation. I think if you asked Evan, he wanted to be out there on the field, but you don’t want to put him in a situation that’s not going to be safe for him.”

Oregon certainly missed Stewart’s presence. The Ducks fell 41-21 to the Buckeyes, only recording 276 total yards of offense in the loss. Now, Stewart will have extra motivation as he prepares this offseason for his final collegiate campaign.

Evan Stewart played high school football at Liberty (TX), where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 8 overall recruit and No. 2 wide receiver in the 2022 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The only wide receiver who was rated higher than Stewart in the 2022 class was Luther Burdern III, who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With any luck, Stewart will follow in Burden’s footsteps next season. Nonetheless, he first has to handle some unfinished business.

Stewart will be joined by a few fresh faces next season. Oregon has already added wide receiver Malik Benson and tight end Jamari Johnson via the NCAA Transfer Portal this offseason. The Ducks passing game should be dangerous again next season.