Oregon WR Evan Stewart Ruled Out for CFP Quarterfinal vs. Red Raiders
Oregon will be without one of its most dynamic offensive weapons when it takes the field Thursday morning in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Wide receiver Evan Stewart has officially been ruled out, according to the Ducks' availability report released Monday evening.
The junior wideout, who transferred in with high expectations, has yet to suit up this season as he continues to recover from a knee injury suffered in the offseason. Stewart had been listed as questionable and then doubtful ahead of Oregon’s opening-round win over James Madison, and his absence from Saturday’s open practice only fueled speculation about his status. Now it’s official-he won’t be available when the Ducks face the Red Raiders.
That’s a significant blow for an Oregon offense that had hoped to lean on Stewart’s explosiveness in the postseason. Last season, he posted 48 catches for 613 yards and five touchdowns-numbers that led all returning Ducks receivers and positioned him as the likely WR1 heading into 2026. At 6 feet tall with a smooth route tree and big-play potential, Stewart was expected to be a game-changer in Oregon’s aerial attack.
But Stewart isn’t the only Duck sidelined this week. Oregon’s latest injury report includes a handful of key contributors.
Offensive lineman Gernoriss Wilson, running back Da’Jaun Riggs, wide receivers Kyler Kasper and Justius Lowe, and defensive backs Solomon Davis and Kington Lopa have all been ruled out. Davis and Lopa had previously announced their intentions to transfer, so their absence isn’t a surprise, but the cumulative losses do test Oregon’s depth on both sides of the ball.
There is some good news, though. Freshman running back Jordon Davison, who was seen limping off the field after the win over James Madison, was not listed on the report. That’s a strong indication he’s been cleared to play, and his availability adds a much-needed boost to the Ducks’ backfield heading into Thursday’s matchup.
Defensive back Trey McNutt was the only player listed as questionable, leaving his status in the air as the Ducks prepare for one of the biggest games of their season.
Under the College Football Playoff’s injury reporting rules, teams are required to provide daily updates beginning three days before kickoff, with a final designation 90 minutes before the game. Oregon’s first update came Wednesday at 5:10 p.m., and more will follow as the Ducks finalize their lineup.
The No. 5 Ducks (12-1) are set to take on the Red Raiders (12-1) in a high-stakes showdown Thursday morning.
Kickoff is scheduled for 9 a.m. ET on ESPN.
With a trip to the CFP semifinals on the line, Oregon will need to lean on its depth and adaptability-especially with Stewart and several others unavailable.