Training camps across the country have wrapped up and teams are preparing for the start of the 2024 season, which is just days away. The Oregon Ducks have had an excellent offseason in terms of signing players from the transfer portal. Former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel has garnered a lot of press attention, but former Texas A&M star wideout Evan Stewart also appears to be having a breakout year.

Stewart was a five-star recruit who originally signed with Texas A&M and played two years for the Aggies. Despite a career that included multiple injuries, multiple coaches and five different quarterbacks, he managed to make 91 catches for 1,163 yards and six touchdowns. He entered the transfer portal in December 2023 and signed with the Ducks less than a month later. Stewart comes to Eugene with high expectations for this former No. 1 overall wide receiver recruit.

When evaluating this 6’1″, 175-pound receiver, several strengths stand out. He is an excellent route runner. Stewart can initiate and complete his breaks with ease, and once the ball is caught, his yards after the catch make him even more dangerous. Perhaps most importantly, Stewart is an excellent read of the quarterback and knows when to adjust the route. These and other traits make him one of the best receivers in both the Big Ten Conference and national rankings.

Of course, Stewart’s skills alone aren’t enough to have a standout year. Luckily for Stewart and Ducks fans, he’s surrounded by some incredible talent, including Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein, quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Dillon Gabriel, and fellow wide receiver Tez Johnson. On that point, CBS writer Josh Edwards had this to say about Stewart.

“There are reasons to be excited about Oregon WR Evan Stewart,” Edwards wrote on X. “The former 5-star recruit, who transferred from Texas A&M in the offseason, will be catching passes from new Oklahoma QB transfer Dillon Gabriel this fall.”

Stewart is one of the most intriguing pass receivers in the nation. If quarterback Connor Weigman hadn’t been injured last season at Texas A&M, things might have turned out differently for head coach Jimbo Fisher, Stewart and many others. The Memphis native has good size and excellent speed. With offensive coordinator Will Stein designing the plays and quarterback Dillon Gabriel distributing the ball, Stewart could put up big numbers in Oregon’s first season in the Big Ten.

Consider that Johnson and Stewart were ranked No. 1 and No. 4, respectively, among the Big Ten’s top 10 receivers in a recent ranking by FanSided. Johnson is coming off an incredible 2023 season, catching 86 passes for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. Of course, those numbers were the result of the connection between Johnson and former quarterback Bo Nix, who now serves as the starting signal caller in Denver. While it’s too early to make comparisons, Gabriel seems well-equipped to run Stein’s offense and help Stewart put up numbers like Johnson on the chart.

In addition, coach Lanning was impressed with Stewart’s performance so far.

“Evan has a lot of positives,” Lanning said. “The way he attacks the ball. Like I said, I think coming out of the spring he’s one of the best at attacking the ball in the air. He definitely has the right speed and we’re going to continue to look for him to increase that and improve his game for us.”

Lastly, Stewart has also caught the attention of Pro Football Focus. In an early projection, PFF listed him as a wide receiver to watch heading into the 2024 season. Many eyes will be on Stewart this year. A strong performance is certainly important for this talented wide receiver, but the Ducks need his production if they are going to pursue a Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

MORE: Will Ohio State five-star Na’eem Offord join Oregon Ducks?

MORE: Bo Nix a serious contender for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

MORE: Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State game time released, prime time Big Ten matchup

MORE: Marcus Mariota shares “gold” with Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels

MORE: Former college football coach regrets letting Dan Lanning get a new job

MORE: Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel signs exclusive NIL contract