Oregon Gets Key Reinforcements at Receiver Ahead of Orange Bowl Clash
EUGENE, Ore. - Oregon’s offense has been one of the most dynamic in the country this season, and on Saturday, it got a little closer to full throttle. For the first time since late October, the Ducks had both Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. back in uniform - and while their stat lines won’t jump off the page, their return is a big deal heading into the postseason.
Moore, who missed all of November with a knee injury, was back on the field for 19 snaps. Bryant, sidelined since early November with an ankle issue, logged eight. Between the two, they combined for just one catch - Moore’s five-yard reception - but their presence alone gave Oregon’s offense a noticeable lift in a 51-34 win over James Madison.
“It’s really exciting when you get your guys back,” said senior wideout Malik Benson. “You don’t like any injuries, but for them to come back now is just making our offense even more special.”
That’s the thing - Oregon didn’t need Moore or Bryant to carry the load on Saturday. But just having them out there gave the Ducks more flexibility, more depth, and more ways to keep their top targets fresh.
And with a date against No. 4 Texas Tech looming in the Orange Bowl, every extra weapon matters.
Head coach Dan Lanning acknowledged the importance of their return but kept things grounded.
“I’ll have to watch the film and see how each guy did individually,” Lanning said. “There were some positive moments, but certainly moments for improvement.”
That’s to be expected. Both players were eased back into action.
The Ducks didn’t overload them with targets or responsibilities. Instead, they were integrated in a way that helped the offense stay balanced - and gave a glimpse of what’s possible when this group is fully healthy.
Offensive coordinator Will Stein highlighted the ripple effect their return had on the rest of the receiving corps.
“Just offering J-Mac, Malik, and Cooper some rest so they don’t have to go the entire game - that was big for us,” Stein said. “It was great to see them out there again.
They pose a lot of threats to the defense - their speed, their willingness to block on the perimeter, their ball-in-hand attributes. They’re just exceptional players.”
Moore, a freshman, didn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. One of his first plays back saw him deliver a key block on the edge to spring Dierre Hill Jr. for a long gain - a reminder that his value isn’t limited to the stat sheet.
“I’m proud of him and Gary,” Stein added. “They’re selfless players, and they did a really nice job tonight.”
Quarterback Dante Moore echoed that sentiment, pointing to how both receivers stayed engaged even when they couldn’t suit up.
“I think the best thing with them - and I’ll always give them credit - is when they weren’t playing, they grew so much as vocal leaders,” Moore said. “Dakorien’s young, but he’s got a lot of experience this year.
He’s pushing Cooper, talking to J-Mac. And Gary, of course, is the old head in the room - he just keeps preaching game to the receivers.”
That kind of leadership matters, especially in December. The Ducks are preparing for their biggest game of the season, and having veterans like Bryant and fast learners like Moore back in the mix only strengthens the group’s chemistry.
And the reinforcements might not be done just yet.
Evan Stewart, who hasn’t played a snap in 2025 due to a knee injury suffered in the offseason, warmed up with the team for the first time all year. He was listed as a game-time decision but didn’t suit up - instead watching from the sideline in street clothes. Still, his presence was felt.
“I just love how the fans were cheering on Evan when he caught his first warmup pass in a long time,” said Moore. “I was glad to see him back as well.”
With nearly two weeks to prepare before the Jan. 1 showdown against Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, Oregon has time to get even healthier. And if the Ducks can head into Miami with their full receiving corps intact, it could be a long day for the Red Raiders’ secondary.
Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. on ESPN. Don’t be surprised if Oregon’s offense has a few more tricks up its sleeve - especially now that some key pieces are back in the fold.