Oregon Ducks Receiver Evan Stewart: NFL Draft, Transfer Portal, Return To Oregon?

Oregon Ducks receiver Evan Stewart has a looming decision to make between staying with Oregon and coach Dan Lanning, declaring for the NFL Draft or transferring to another football program.

Dec 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart (7) holds a video camera during Rose Bowl media day at Sheraton Grand LA. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks junior wide receiver Evan Stewart has a big decision to make. Stewart, who was not able to play in the Rose Bowl vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes due to a lower back injury, could declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, choose to stay at Oregon with coach Dan Lanning or enter the transfer portal.

Stewart, who was dressed in uniform and appeared ready on the sideline in Oregon's 41-21 loss to Ohio State, suffered a lower back injury in practice after the Big Ten Championship that continued to linger and ultimately led to his absence.

“I was lagging a little bit,” Stewart said in the locker room after the loss. “Balance was in the air, especially fighting forces like releases, reroutes. Keeping my body up, play strength. It wasn’t up to the tier it needed to be especially for it to be safe for me to play.”

Dec 30, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart (7) poses during Rose Bowl media day at Sheraton Grand LA. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The former five-star recruit Stewart was very impactful in Oregon's regular season win vs. the Buckeyes, catching seven passes for a career-high 149 yards and a touchdown in the 32-31 victory in Autzen Stadium.

Stewart finished the 2024 season as Oregon's No. 2 receiver with 48 catches for 613 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in what marked his first year with Oregon after transferring from the Texas A&M Aggies last offseason.

This season, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel connected with Stewart for two passes of 60-plus yards, including a season-long 69 yard completion in Oregon's win over No. 2 Ohio State on Oct. 12.

Stewart's decision could come down to his NFL Draft projections or possibly benefitting from another season of film for scouts. NFL Draft projections for Stewart vary but some mocks have hims selected as high as the second round.

His strengths include his elite speed, turning heads with a reported 4.33 40-yard dash. In the right NFL system, Stewart is a serious deep-ball threat. Weaknesses include limitations because of his smaller frame, many scouts mention his need to bulk up to play in the pros.

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Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during a timeout in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Ahead of the season, Stewart transferred from Texas A&M, possibly the biggest get for theDucks in the transfer portal by coach Dan Lanning.

"I want to show that I am a jack of all trades," said Stewart. "...I can go up and get it like a big receiver, I can move like a little receiver. I've got great hands, I'm very quick, very fast."

What was Stewart's goal while at Oregon?

"That ball, man. I'm trying to get those passes," Stewart said. "(Oregon) suited everything that I was looking for. I wanted to bein a great program that had a lot of order and construction. Everything is so much better here, honestly, I'm happy with my decision."

Oregon's top receiver Tez Johnson and senior Traeshon Holden are headed to the NFL. Receiver Gary Bryant Jr. could return to the Ducks and step into a veteran role. Exptected receivers to return are: Justius Lowe, Jeremiah McClellan, Jurrion Dickey, Kyler Kasper, Ryan Pellum, Jack Ressler and Dillon Gresham. Incoming freshman receivers include: Dakorien Moore and Cooper Perry.

Oregon has had two juniors declare for the 2025 NFL Draft so far: running back Jordan James and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon.

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