Story by
Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No.18 Troy Franklin
- Story by
- Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No.18 Troy Franklin
Over the last 25 years, the Oregon Ducks have been one of the single best teams in all of college football, sitting near the top of the sport for the better part of a quarter-century.
Since 2000, Oregon has compiled an overall record of 239-83 (.742), with just two losing seasons during that span. They've been to 24 bowl games, won three Rose Bowls, been to a pair of College Football Playoffs, and appeared in two National Championships. They've seen a Heisman Trophy winner in Marcus Mariota and had 99 players selected in the NFL Draft.
Advertisement
It's safe to say that when looking at the nation's best in this millennium, Oregon belongs in the conversation. But who are the players who helped get Nike University into that conversation? That's a different question entirely.
To celebrate the quarter-century mark, we're going to dive into that question over the next month as we approach the start of the 2025 season. The Ducks have had hundreds of memorable and beloved players over the years, many of whom will live on forever in some way.
But who is the best of the best?
That answer, of course, is subjective. When reviewing the numbers and conducting our research, we took several factors into account: career statistics, overall impact and success, legacy, fan adoration, and NFL success.
Advertisement
Boiling 25 years of Oregon football down to 25 players is no easy task, and not one that we took lightly. Dozens of players were left on the cutting room floor who deserve a spot in the top 25, and at some point, subtracting names off the list started to feel like pulling teeth. But in the end, we were left with 25 players, whom we will honor over the next few weeks.
If you want to catch up, let's take a look at how we've gotten to where we're at in the rankings:
Today, let's continue with No. 18 — the electrifying Troy Franklin .
Player Overview
Oct 22, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) catches a touchdown pass during the first half against UCLA Bruins defensive back Devin Kirkwood (3) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
The go-to pass-catcher during his sophomore and junior seasons at Oregon, Troy Franklin's combination of size (6'3", 180 pounds) and speed proved to be too much for opposing defenses. A four-star recruit and the third-ranked wide receiver in the 2021 class, Franklin met and exceeded expectations with the Ducks .
Advertisement
After contributing as a freshman, he broke out in 2022 and 2023, revealing himself as one of the top deep threats in the Pac-12. But he didn't just stretch the field, as he was a threat to take it to the house whenever he got the ball in his hands, whether underneath or in the middle of the field.
Simply put, Franklin was a bona fide playmaker during his time in Eugene.
Troy Franklin Career Stats
(Troy Franklin) Photo Courtesy of Ethan Landa
40 games — 160 catches, 2,483 yards, 25 TD
Single Best Season
Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin runs for a touchdown after a catch as the No. 6 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 16 Oregon State Beavers Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
2023 — 13 games, 81 catches, 1,383 yards, 14 TD
Franklin's final season with the Ducks was his best, as he was a consensus second-team All-American and an all-Pac-12 first-team selection. He rewrote the Oregon football record books, registering the most receiving yards and touchdowns in a single season, in addition to leaving as the Ducks' leader in career receiving touchdowns.
Advertisement
The connection Franklin established with quarterback Bo Nix in 2023 was one of the best QB-WR tandems in the country, as the Ducks had the fourth-best FBS scoring offense and finished the season with a 12-2 record.
Historical Records and Stats
Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin carries the ball for the Ducks as the No. 9 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 21 Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Ncaa Football Uo Vs Osu Rivalry Game University Of Oregon At Oregon State
-
8th Most Career Receptions in Oregon History (160)
-
3rd Most Single-Season Receptions in Oregon History (82)
-
7th Most Career Receiving Yards in Oregon History (2,483)
-
Most Single-Season Receiving Yards in Oregon History (1,383)
-
Most Career Receiving Touchdowns in Oregon History (25)
-
Most Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns in Oregon History (14)
Troy Franklin NFL Draft
Troy Franklin was selected in the fourth round, 102nd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos . He was reunited with Nix, who was also selected by the Broncos in the first round.
Troy Franklin NFL Success
Jan 12, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (16) catches a touchdown pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter in an AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Franklin got off to a slow start during his rookie season in Denver, finishing with 28 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games played during the regular-season. But in the Broncos' AFC Wild Card matchup with the Buffalo Bills , Franklin scored the team's only touchdown on a 43-yard pass from Nix. He'll look to build on that strong finish heading into Year 2.
Advertisement
Troy Franklin's Lasting Legacy
Oct 22, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) catches a touchdown pass during the first half against UCLA Bruins defensive back Devin Kirkwood (3) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Franklin's name will forever be etched in the Oregon football record books and in the minds of Duck fans, as he was a force during his three seasons in Eugene. Leaving as arguably the greatest receiver in Oregon history after just three seasons, Franklin will not be forgotten anytime soon because of his electrifying, playmaking skills that led to many trips to the end zone.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinion s.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks football's top 25 players since 2000: No.18 Troy Franklin
