Oregon boasts top pass-catching unit in the country, per CBS Sports
· Yahoo Sports
A great quarterback can lead an offense to success, but a strong supporting cast is the difference between a great team and a championship contender.
Fortunately, the Oregon Ducks have supplied Dante Moore with several elite weapons this season, not only to aid his Heisman campaign, but also to hopefully carry the Ducks through the College Football Playoff. Through high school recruiting and exercising the transfer portal, Oregon has loaded the receiving core with dynamic weapons for the present and the future.
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CBS Sports' Blake Brockermeyer believes Oregon has the best group of pass-catchers in the country, ahead of the likes of Miami and Texas, as well as a sizable gap between the Ducks and Ohio State Buckeyes. The Ducks have stockpiled talent in recent years, and now have three top-tier receivers in one offense for Moore to work with, as well as arguably the top tight end prospect in the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft.
Dakorien Moore will lead the Oregon receivers in 2026, despite being just a sophomore. Moore had an electric start to his freshman campaign before being slowed by injuries later in the year. He made 34 catches for 497 yards and three touchdowns, and he has the potential to fully break out this season.
"Moore has future NFL star written all over him, thanks to his suddenness and polished route running," Brockermeyer wrote. "Despite missing four games last season, he still finished with nearly 500 yards receiving. Moore appears primed for a breakout campaign and already plays with the instincts of a veteran, consistently attacking the football and winning at the catch point."
The offense will also be aided by the return of Evan Stewart, who missed all of last season with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. He had 613 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, and provides another vertical threat the offense can use this season.
Jeremiah McClellan broke out last season as a dynamic weapon over the middle and along the sideline. He had 558 yards and three touchdowns a year ago, and he arguably has the best hands in the room.
Beyond the big three returners, the Ducks have some quality depth that will contribute. UAB transfer Iverson Hooks presents a speedy weapon from the slot with a knack for absorbing short catches and working some magic after the catch. A host of freshmen will factor in as well, including Jalen Lott, Gatlin Bair, and Messiah Hampton.
Tight end is not just an extension of the offense, but rather a key to the passing attack with Drew Mehringer now calling the plays. Jamari Johnson brings incredible size and athleticism and can act as a security blanket for Moore. Kendre Harrison and Andrew Olesh bring similar size and great hands to make plays over the middle as well.
"One of the nation's top tight ends, Johnson is a big target with reliable hands, a large catch radius and the ability to create yards after the catch," Brockermeyer wrote. "He thrives on short and intermediate routes but has enough athleticism to make plays in the open field and finish runs with a stiff-arm."
On the list, Miami falls just behind Oregon at No. 2, with a similar blend of talent to the Ducks. Sophomore Malachi Toney leads the offense, while Duke graduate transfer Cooper Barkate is an explosive playmaker reuniting with Darian Mensah under center.
Among the teams in the top 10, Oregon will only face one of them this season: Ohio State. The Buckeyes are fifth on the list, which is surprising given the nature of the receivers that come out of Columbus and the presence of Jeremiah Smith, who many have considered the best player in college football since his freshman season.
Outside of Smith and Brandon Inniss, the Buckeyes are relying on some new faces with proven talent. Chris Henry Jr. was the top-rated wideout in the 2026 recruiting class, while LSU transfer Kyle Parker and UTSA transfer Devin McCuin add valuable depth.
Oregon will be in a dogfight when the team travels to Columbus in November for what is likely the most important game on the schedule for the Ducks. If the supporting cast for the Ducks is truly that much greater than the Buckeyes, it could give Oregon the edge in the matchup and potentially lead to a trip back to the Big Ten title game.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon boasts top pass-catching unit in the country, per CBS Sports