Oregon’s Receiving Corps Holding Steady Ahead of Orange Bowl Clash with Texas Tech
As the Ducks gear up for their Orange Bowl showdown against No. 4 Texas Tech, there’s a sense of continuity - and a bit of uncertainty - surrounding Oregon’s receiving corps.
The big picture? Oregon’s wide receiver group looks almost identical to what we saw in their first-round College Football Playoff win over James Madison.
That means Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. - both of whom returned to action in that game - were back at it during Saturday’s practice inside the Moshofsky Center. Their presence is a good sign for an Oregon offense that thrives on tempo, spacing, and explosive plays downfield.
One name still missing from the mix is Evan Stewart. The talented receiver suited up for pregame warmups last week but ultimately didn’t play, switching into street clothes before kickoff.
He was absent again on Saturday. If Stewart remains sidelined - as he has been throughout the season - Oregon will enter the Orange Bowl with five scholarship receivers available.
Not ideal, but this is a group that’s learned to adapt and produce even when depth has been tested.
Jordon Davison Back in Action
There was a positive development in the backfield as well. Running back Jordon Davison, who left the James Madison game with what appeared to be a lower-body injury, was fully suited up and active during special teams drills. He even took reps on kickoff return, signaling that whatever knocked him out last week may not be a lingering issue heading into one of the biggest games of the season.
Special Teams Snapshot
Speaking of return duties, Oregon’s coaches continue to evaluate a deep pool of options. On punt returns, Malik Benson, Gary Bryant Jr., Dakorien Moore, Cooper Perry, and Dillon Thieneman all took reps. That’s a mix of speed, sure hands, and versatility - and with Bryant and Moore already playing key offensive roles, it’ll be interesting to see how the staff balances risk and reward on special teams.
Kick return duties saw even more names in rotation. Noah Whittington, Jayden Limar, Dierre Hill Jr., Jordon Davison, Jay Harris, Makhi Hughes, and Jeremiah McClellan all got looks. It’s a deep group, and the Ducks clearly want to keep their options open heading into a game where field position could be crucial.
Injury Notes
Two players remained absent from practice: running back Da’Jaun Riggs, who’s been dealing with a foot injury, and offensive lineman Gernorris Wilson. Their statuses remain uncertain, and with a physical Texas Tech front on deck, Oregon would certainly benefit from having all hands on deck - especially in the trenches.
Game Day Details
The Ducks, sitting at 12-1, will face off against a Texas Tech team with the same record in what promises to be one of the most compelling matchups of the bowl season. The Orange Bowl is set for Thursday, January 1, with kickoff at 9 a.m. PT at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN and available to stream via DIRECTV (free trial) or Sling (day pass available for $4.99). Streaming availability may vary depending on your location, particularly outside the Pacific Northwest.
And yes - in case you were wondering - practice kicked off with Will Smith’s “Miami” blaring through the speakers. Fitting, right?
The Ducks are locked in, mostly healthy, and looking to make a statement. With a trip to South Florida on the horizon, the stage is set.