Preseason Camp Preview: WR/TE

WIDE RECEIVER/TIGHT END

Who's back: Oregon will boast some of the most electric players in the country at their positions in the passing game in 2024, led by the returning school single-season record holder for receptions, Tez Johnson. Troy Franklin briefly held that record before sitting out last season's Fiesta Bowl, giving Johnson room to finish the year with 86 catches, for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Ducks also return their most productive tight end from 2023, Terrance Ferguson, who caught 42 passes for 414 yards and six touchdowns last fall.

Terrance Ferguson Steven Jones

Another tight end, Patrick Herbert, enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, averaging 13.1 yards per reception. And Kenyon Sadiq looks like another potential big-play threat at the position, after getting experience in every game as a freshman last fall. Among the receivers, Traeshon Holden and Gary Bryant Jr. complemented Johnson and Franklin, combining for 67 receptions, 894 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kyler Kasper, Jurrion Dickey and Justius Lowe banked game action while making developments in practice. The "look" team got production from Preston Alford, Darrian Anderson and Andrew Walker at receiver, and from tight ends Zach Grace and Travis Brashear.

Traeshon Holden Scrimmage

Who's new: The receiver group added to its corps of veteran talent by welcoming via the transfer portal Evan Stewart. The dynamic wideout caught 38 passes for 514 yards and four touchdowns at Texas A&M last season, and he provides another front-line talent to complement the returners. Stewart was in Eugene for spring practices, as were the receivers from the 2024 recruiting class — Dillon Gresham, Jeremiah McClellan, Ryan Pellum and Jack Ressler. Also on hand in March and April were tight ends Roger Saleapaga and A.J. Pugliano, who are now joined by fellow freshman Kade Caton.

Patrick Herbert Practice

What to watch: An imperative this offseason was building chemistry with the new quarterbacks on hand, and that process continues once preseason camp begins. Offensive coordinator Will Stein and the rest of the staff also have had the challenge of figuring out how best to deploy all this talent — with some of the young guys banged up at times in 2023, the rotation wasn't always particularly deep, but it very much could be in 2024. As the saying goes, there's only one football to go around. But based on the explosive potential of the offense, the tempo Oregon can deploy and Stein's creativity, there should be ample chances for all the receivers and tight ends to earn and take advantage of opportunities this fall.