Oregon’s receiver room just got another sign of how loaded it is.
On Wednesday, The Tallahassee Quarterback Club released the 2026 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watchlist, and the Ducks landed two names on it: Jamari Johnson and Iverson Hooks. The award honors the college football season’s outstanding receiver at any position.
Hooks’ inclusion stands out because of where he sits in Oregon’s pecking order. The Ducks are expected to lean on Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart, and Jeremiah McClellan as the top wide receiver trio, while Johnson is set to draw plenty of attention at tight end. On paper, that leaves Hooks as at best the fifth option in the passing game.
That’s what makes the watchlist nod so eye-catching. It’s not a slight on Hooks’ ability - it’s a reminder of how much talent Oregon has packed into the offense.
Hooks arrives in Eugene after a productive season at UAB, where he caught 72 passes for 927 yards and 7 touchdowns. With Dante Moore coming off a standout season and now carrying Heisman buzz, Oregon has every reason to believe Hooks can do even more in a bigger offense.
The Ducks may not be done reshuffling their pass-catching picture, either. Freshmen Gatlin Bair and Jalen Lott have turned heads in fall camp and are pushing for meaningful roles.
Taken together, the watchlist appearance says plenty about Oregon’s depth. Between Moore, the three expected top wideouts, Hooks, Johnson, and a group of young receivers trying to force their way onto the field, the Ducks can stack up options fast. If the offensive line gives Moore enough time, this could be a brutal group to defend all season long.
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