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Evan Stewart emerging as locker room leader in return to Oregon
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- Evan Stewart emerging as locker room leader in return to Oregon
Evan Stewart emerging as locker room leader in return to Oregon
The Oregon Ducks don't have a shortage of talented receivers to throw to on offense this season. Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan broke out last season, but it's Evan Stewart who is leading the team into the 2026 season after missing all of last season.
Last summer, Stewart suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, which caused him to miss the season, despite a comeback attempt late in the season. The senior wideout is hoping for one last chance to win a national championship with the Ducks, and potentially solidify himself as a high draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
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In an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Oregon coach Dan Lanning was asked who he expects to take on a bigger leadership role this season. Rather than sidestepping the question, as Lanning admits he typically does, he singled out Stewart as a leader in the locker room for the Ducks to turn to this season. Even after battling a severe injury and missing out on a year of action on the field, Stewart has the respect of all of his teammates coming into the season.
"Evan Stewart has had a really good offseason," Lanning said. "He was down for us last year; he was injured during the year. But I'm really excited about what Evan can bring to our team this year. We have a lot of great players, so it's unfair for me to pick one, but he's had a great offseason and I'm excited to see what he can create this year."
Stewart last suited up for the Ducks in 2024, when Dillon Gabriel was under center. He had a career year in his first season in Eugene, hauling in 613 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The former Texas A&M transfer is a vertical threat for Dante Moore, and the early observations through spring practice show that Stewart could be faster than ever.
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Stewart hauled in a 75-yard touchdown in the spring game from Dylan Raiola , giving the Ducks plenty to be optimistic about heading into the season. Both on and off the field, Stewart is a game-changer for the Ducks, and he is undoubtedly the leader of a young and emerging receiving core in Eugene.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Evan Stewart emerging as locker room leader in return to Oregon
