The Oregon Ducks arguably have the most loaded group of pass-catchers in the country entering the 2026 season. With so many hands to spread the ball around to, it's unlikely that one player would dominate the target share enough to win the Biletnikoff Award, which is annually presented to the nation's top receiver, regardless of position.
The Ducks did, however, land multiple players on the Biletnikoff Award watch list, but not the ones you might think. The pair of Ducks that made the list are UAB transfer Iverson Hooks and tight end Jamari Johnson . The top three returning wideouts, Dakorien Moore , Evan Stewart and Jeremiah McClellan , were left off.
Of the veteran wideouts on Oregon's roster this season, Hooks is coming off the best statistical season. In his final season with the Blazers, the speedy receiver made 72 catches for 927 yards and seven touchdowns. He will likely play out of the slot with the Ducks, but he does fall behind Stewart and Moore on the depth chart, both of whom could also see snaps from the slot.
Johnson is one of two tight ends to make the field, joining Texas Tech's Terrance Carter Jr. on the list of 45 players from around the country. Operating as the backup to Kenyon Sadiq last season, Johnson still managed 32 catches for 510 yards and three touchdowns. He remains one of the top tight ends in college football as he becomes the starter in Eugene, and potentially the first tight end selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.
A lot is expected of Oregon's wideouts this season to help Dante Moore and the Ducks pursue a national championship, but Hooks and Johnson are not likely to be the top targets in the offense. Given what Oregon's depth chart might look like to begin the season, they are surprising picks as the only Ducks on the list.
Moore racked up nearly 500 yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman last season, despite missing time with an injury. McClellan burst onto the scene late in the season and arguably has the best hands on the roster. Stewart missed all of last season with an injury, but the former five-star was a big-play threat in 2024, tallying more than 600 yards and five touchdowns. According to Dan Lanning and several teammates, Stewart had an unbelievable offseason and is more explosive than ever.
Barring an injury, one of the big three is likely to lead the Ducks in targets, catches and yards, while Hooks could be used as a speedster with the potential to make plays after the catch. He could break big plays with his speed, occasionally drawing comparisons to Tez Johnson , but he will have to break through in a crowded receiver room. Johnson, however, will be one of Oregon's top pass-catchers and serve as a hulking security blanket for Moore, but no tight end has ever won the Biletnikoff Award.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon's top wideouts surprisingly left off Biletnikoff watch list
