After a dominant 2024 season, the Oregon Ducks are looking to continue their elite passing game — even with a different offensive unit. Success on that side of the ball in any team, of course, depends in part on the wide receivers.

In 2024, the Ducks were the No. 13 passing offense and No. 2 in the nation in completion percentage.  The wide receiver room, though, took some hits in the offseason with the departure of star receiver Tez Johnson to the NFL and a season ending injury sidelining senior Evan Stewart. 

“If you can help us win, then you’ll play,” newly-hired Oregon receivers coach Ross Douglas said at a press conference in August. “A lot of guys are going to get the opportunity to step up and be able to do their thing.”

True freshman Dakorien Moore was rated the No. 1 high school receiver in the country by ESPN last year and will likely be a key part of the receiver corps this season. In high school, he caught 74 receptions for 1460 yards and 19 touchdowns. His athleticism and ability to break down presses make him an ideal receiver against any team, especially as a potential sideline “X” threat.

Redshirt senior Gary Bryant Jr. suffered a hip injury last season and was only able to play in a limited role in the final five games. In 2023, he played 14 games and caught 30 passes for 442 yards and scored four touchdowns. Bryant Jr. has the ability to have a breakout year and he will be the veteran presence this receiver group needs.

Redshirt junior Justius Lowe had a decent season in 2024. In 11 games, he caught 21 passes for 203 yards and scored one touchdown. Lowe could see slightly more looks this season and will look to have a breakout year.

Redshirt junior Kyler Kasper could see playing time this year given the current depth issues. He has only caught four passes in 19 games over three seasons with the Ducks. Kasper has good size and could be a solid option off the bench. 

Recently, redshirt sophomore Jurrion Dickey received an indefinite suspension for violating team rules. 

“There’s some pieces of that where I felt like he needed a break from us and we needed a break from that so we could focus on what’s in front of us right now,” Lanning said at a press conference on Aug. 12. “Wishing him nothing but the best, as far as success and want to see him get back to where he can be a contributor somewhere; that might be here. That might be somewhere else.”

In Week 1the Ducks face off against FCS powerhouse Montana State who were runner-ups in their National Championship. In 2024, the Bobcats were No. 31 in fewest passing yards, No. 27 in passing efficiency defense and No. 10 in the nation in total sacks in the FCS. 

With the departure of starters Jon Johnson, Simeon Woodard and Miles Jackson the Bobcats’ secondary will be under a lot of pressure with a fresh set of corners. This is an opportunity for the Ducks to expose the defense and give receivers like Moore and Bryant Jr. an opportunity to prove themselves. 

Last season, Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns against top FCS team Idaho. Lanning and the Ducks will likely look to prioritize the passing game again, especially against a weaker passing defense.

The Ducks will be tested early against Montana State, but Oregon has a chance to pull ahead early with strong passing plays. While the depth chart is not public, expect to see players like Moore, Bryant Jr. and Lowe try to prove themselves for a starting role.