"Monster news for Oregon": Fans hyped up as Dan Lanning retains WR Evan Stewart for 2025 season

College football fans are excited as Dan Lanning has retained wide receiver Evan Stewart for the 2025 season. Oregon's football coach has successfully kept Stewart, a key offensive player, despite significant NFL Draft interest.

Stewart announced this on Instagram on Tuesday, captioning his post:

“Wake up and get it, gotta finish the mission.”

This is big news for Lanning, quarterback Dante Moore, and the defending Big Ten champions. Stewart recorded 613 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season. Fans are thrilled, with one writing on X:

“Monster news for Oregon!”

“This is surprising in a weak WR class,” another wrote.

“This is a good move for him he can definitely be wr1 on many teams,” another wrote.

“This is good. His stock took a real hit this yr,” one wrote.

“He is being compensated very well,” another wrote.

“His stats dont show it this year but kid does have huge upside,” one more wrote.

Stewart transferred from Texas A&M before the 2024 season. Unfortunately, he suffered a lower back injury, preventing him from playing in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State.

Evan Stewart’s decision might be influenced by his NFL Draft projections

Oregon Ducks junior wide receiver Evan Stewart has decided to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft. According to SI, Stewart's decision might be influenced by his NFL Draft projections or the benefit of another season for scouts to review his performance.

NFL Draft projections for Stewart vary, with some predicting he could be selected as high as the second round.

Coach Dan Lanning said, via Grant Grubbs of On3 Sports:

“He’s a dynamic player. He’s been great for us all year,” Lanning said. “He kind of got tweaked in pregame and had been able to practice but had been somewhat limited. But we thought he was going to be a potential go.”

The former five-star recruit from Texas also has one of the highest Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) valuations in all college sports. Stewart's NIL valuation of $1.1 million is the highest for a Duck athlete, besides quarterback Dillon Gabriel. He is also popular on TikTok.

As Gabriel heads to the NFL after a Heisman-worthy final college season, it could be last year's sophomore backup, Dante Moore, who will be throwing passes to Stewart next season.