Evan Stewart is running it back with the Ducks.

On Tuesday, the standout receiver announced on Instagram he will be returning to Oregon for the 2025 season. The Ducks are losing their top 2 receivers, Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden, so getting Stewart back for another season in Eugene is a massive coup for coach Dan Lanning and his staff.

Stewart brought in 48 receptions for 613 yards and 5 scores in his debut season with the Ducks. He was second in receptions, tied for second in touchdowns, and third in yards among Oregon’s pass-catchers.

He began his career at Texas A&M, where he brought in 91 receptions for 1,163 yards across 2 seasons. He transferred to Oregon last offseason. The 6-foot wideout may have been able to jump to the NFL this cycle but in choosing to return, he sets himself up to be the No. 1 option in the passing attack next fall.

Stewart had a monster game against Boise State on Sept. 7, when he brought in 5 catches for 112 yards and a score. He also exploded on Oct. 12 when the Ducks beat Ohio State at home. Stewart made 7 grabs for 149 yards and a score that day. He had 96 yards the following week against Purdue, but topped 60 yards receiving only one other time from then on.

He did not record a catch in the Big Ten championship and did not play in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Ohio State after suffering a lower-back injury in practice leading up to the game.

Stewart was a massive get out of the transfer portal last offseason and Oregon will no doubt lean on him in 2025. With Dante Moore expected to take over for Dillon Gabriel at quarterback, having an established receiver to lean on will go a long way toward helping Moore find a groove.

Outside of Stewart, the Ducks will be turning to a new crop of pass-catchers. The team’s top tight end, Terrance Ferguson, is also moving on. Oregon has promising young pass-catchers, but many of them are unproven. Stewart should provide a safety valve for Moore.