The Oregon Ducks have been one of the top programs in college football over the past two decades. Through quarterback changes and multiple head coaches, one thing has remained constant with Oregon – winning. 

The expectation is that the 2025 season will be no different as head coach Dan Lanning looks to win 10-plus games for the fourth straight time in his fourth season as the Ducks’ head coach. While expectations may not have changed, the Ducks’ roster certainly has. Lanning and his staff will be tasked with replacing 18 starters from his 2024 team, and that will be no easy task. 

Lanning has done a tremendous job reloading his roster through the transfer portal and high school recruiting classes, but what if Lanning had the opportunity to add a player or two from a past Duck team to join this current roster? Which players might Lanning and his staff choose? 

This question is fascinating as there have been dozens of All-Conference type players and former first-round picks that would help this Ducks roster. So, let’s discuss. Who would make the most sense to add if there was one player offense and defense from a past Oregon team within the last decade? 

Which offensive player from past Oregon teams 2015-2025 would make the most sense to add to this current roster?

For the sake of this exercise, adding a quarterback is off limits, as it would be the clear choice given Dante Moore’s lack of experience and the past quarterbacks the Ducks would have the option to choose from. 

Oregon has had some outstanding offensive players over the last ten years, and there are many ways to go with this decision. The offensive line is an intriguing option as the Ducks have had multiple first-round picks upfront in recent seasons. Still, with Lanning’s influx of talent this offseason, they can likely get by with their current players. 

The most pressing concern for the Ducks’ offense is their receiver core. The team lost Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden to the 2025 NFL Draft, and their top returning wide receiver, Evan Stewart, suffered a season-ending knee injury this offseason. Wide receiver Troy Franklin is the offensive player who makes sense to add to the 2025 roster. 

Franklin would instantly elevate Oregon’s offensive firepower, delivering legitimate downfield threats and game-changing playmaking ability. During his 2023 season with the Ducks, Franklin erupted for 1,383 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, setting school single-season records in both categories. His track record as the Ducks’ all-time leader in career receiving touchdowns (25) and tied for most 100-yard games (11) showcases a sustained ability to produce and consistently be counted on as a team’s number one option. At 6’2″ with blazing speed and refined route-running prowess, Franklin embodies the ideal blend of size, speed, and technique to stretch defenses and open up space for his teammates.

For Oregon, having Franklin back would not just be a talent infusion—it would restore balance to a receiving room lacking an experienced number one option. With Franklin in the fold, true freshman Dakorien Moore would be allowed to slot into the number two role and no longer bear the burden of being the team’s go-to option in his first year. 

A wide receiver duo of Franklin and Moore would give the Ducks two highly explosive receivers who can win at all three levels of the field. Franklin’s experience and leadership would also serve as a valuable asset in mentoring younger receivers like Moore and maintaining a high standard of performance across the receiving corps.

Other Options Considered

• Penei Sewell
• Bucky Irving
• Tez Johnson
• Dillon Mitchell 
• Bralon Addison

Oregon Ducks News

With the loss of Evan Stewart, who could step up to be the Oregon Ducks’ WR2?

With Evan Stewart out for the year and Dakorien Moore slotted to be the team’s WR1, who will be their WR2?

Brentley Weissman