Oregon Coach Dan Lanning Receives Unfortunate News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 1:52 PM ET

The Oregon Ducks dominated the 2024 college football regular season, finishing as the top team in the nation during their first year in the Big Ten and capping it off with a conference championship.

However, their postseason run ended earlier than expected. Despite earning the No. 1 overall seed in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, the Ducks were eliminated in the second round by a red-hot Ohio State squad.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Oregon is once again loaded with talent and high expectations. Former five-star quarterback Dante Moore is set to take over under center following Dillon Gabriel’s departure.

But on Friday, head coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks received some unfortunate news that could significantly impact their offensive outlook.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, star wide receiver Evan Stewart is believed to have suffered a torn patellar tendon—a serious knee injury that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the upcoming season.

Stewart, who was projected to be the Ducks’ No. 1 receiver, had 48 receptions for 613 yards in 2024 and was primed for a breakout year in the Big Ten.

Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart has suffered a knee injury that’s expected to impact his availability in the 2025 season, sources confirm to ESPN. He caught 48 passes for 613 yards last year for the Ducks and projected as a top wide receiver in the Big Ten this season. pic.twitter.com/WJXbUaalKO
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) June 6, 2025

Fans reacted to the news:

"This is awful. Thoughts with him for a quick recovery!" A fan said.

Someone else added, "That sucks, dude is a stud. Exciting to watch. Hoping for a speedy, full recovery."

Another fan posted, "Tough loss for the Ducks, prayers up for a speedy recovery."

One more fan commented, "I don’t care what team it is, injuries suck ass and I wish them on NO ONE."

With Stewart sidelined, the Ducks will now turn to receivers like Malik Benson, standout freshman Dakorien Moore, and veteran Gary Bryant Jr. to step up—perhaps a bit sooner than originally expected. Other names who could see increased opportunities include Jurrion Dickey, Kyler Kasper, and Jeremiah McClellan.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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