Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart has suffered a devastating injury that will sideline him for the entire 2025–2026 college football season. According to team sources, Stewart tore his patellar tendon during a non-contact drill in offseason workouts earlier this week. The injury is a major blow to the Ducks’ offense and significantly alters the outlook for their upcoming campaign.
The incident reportedly occurred during a routine agility drill at the team’s indoor practice facility. Stewart went down suddenly while making a cut, clutching his knee in visible pain. Trainers immediately rushed to his side, and after an initial evaluation, he was taken to a local hospital for imaging. An MRI later confirmed a full tear of the patellar tendon in his left knee.
Stewart is expected to undergo surgery within the next week. Recovery from a patellar tendon tear typically spans 8 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s rehabilitation progress. Barring any setbacks, the earliest he could realistically return to action would be spring practices in 2026.
This injury is especially disheartening considering Stewart’s importance to Oregon’s offense. After transferring from Texas A&M last year, Stewart quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic receivers in the Pac-12. He finished the 2024 season with 74 catches for 1,091 yards and 9 touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable deep threat and a go-to target in clutch moments.
Head coach Dan Lanning addressed the media Thursday morning, expressing both support for Stewart and confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. “First and foremost, our thoughts are with Evan,” Lanning said. “He’s an incredible athlete, but more importantly, a tremendous young man. We know how hard he’s worked, and we’re going to support him every step of the way through his recovery. Obviously, this is a big loss, but we’ve got depth in that room and it’s time for the next man up.”
The Ducks will now have to reshuffle their wide receiver rotation. Junior Tez Johnson and sophomore Jurrion Dickey are expected to take on larger roles in Stewart’s absence, while true freshman Raheim Wallace—an early enrollee who impressed during spring ball—may be thrust into action sooner than expected.
Beyond the immediate impact on Oregon’s season, Stewart’s injury could have ramifications for his professional future. He had been projected as a potential first- or second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with scouts praising his route running, acceleration, and ball-tracking ability. Now, his draft stock will depend heavily on how well he recovers and whether he returns to form next season.
Despite the setback, Stewart issued a statement through the university’s athletic department, thanking fans and vowing to come back stronger. “This isn’t how I wanted my year to go, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I’ve got the best medical team, coaches, and teammates behind me. I’ll be back—and when I do, I’ll be better than ever.”
Oregon opens its 2025 season on August 30 against Boise State. With expectations already high heading into the year, Stewart’s absence will undoubtedly be a challenge, but the Ducks remain determined to push forward in their quest for a College Football Playoff berth.
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