Stock up, stock down: Evaluating Oregon’s standouts after week one win
The Oregon Ducks had a great opening game against Montana State and a few players helped themselves in th season opener.
The No. 7 Oregon Ducks opened their 2025 season with a commanding 59–13 win over Montana State at Autzen Stadium. While the scoreboard reflected a decisive victory, a deeper study reveals nuanced performances across the roster. In this edition of “Stock Up, Stock Down,” we evaluate the players and units whose stock rose and fell based on their week one performances.
Stock Up
Noah Whittington
Redshirt senior Noah Whittington led Oregon’s backfield in week one, showing why he remains a reliable force for the Ducks. He carried the ball 10 times for 68 yards and a touchdown, including a 35-yard burst on the opening drive that set the tone for the game. Whittington’s vision, balance, and explosiveness to consistently create big plays put him firmly in the “stock up” category after a strong showing against Montana State. He appears to be the Ducks’ number one option in the running game.
A’Mauri Washington
Junior defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington immediately impacted the Ducks’ defense in week one, showcasing his quickness and power as an interior defender. Washington recorded multiple tackles and was around the ball on key drives, demonstrating the disruptiveness that will make him an early-round draft pick whenever he declares. Washington was truly dominant upfront and was borderline unblockable.
Gary Bryant Jr.
Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. showed why he’s a key part of Oregon’s receiving corps in week one against Montana State. Bryant Jr. finished the game with four receptions for 31 yards and one touchdown. He displayed crisp route-running, reliable hands, and the ability to make defenders miss in open space. Bryant contributed consistently throughout the game, helping stretch the field and keep the Ducks’ offense in rhythm, earning him a definite “stock up” after his strong debut.
Stock Down
Makhi Hughes
One of the biggest head scratchers after the Ducks’ week one win is Makhi Hughes’ lack of playing time. Hughes transferred to the Ducks this offseason after a 1,400-yard rushing campaign. He was fully expected to be Oregon’s leading rusher this season, but shockingly, he was not involved in the season debut. Hughes played just a handful of snaps and was clearly not a part of the Ducks’ running back rotation. This may just be a one-week issue, and perhaps he sees more playing time in future games, but as of now, Hughes has to be in the stock down category.
Theran Johnson
This one might be a bit unfair. Theran Johnson was a late addition to the injury report and ended up not suiting up for the Ducks in their home opener. Johnson was expected to start at outside corner for the Ducks after transferring to the program from Northwestern. While Johnson didn’t do anything to lower his stock, the play of two young but highly touted corners may knock Johnson down the depth chart. Redshirt freshman Ify Obidegwu and true freshman Brandon Finney Jr. started at the corner and played exceptionally well. Going with the youth at the position could make the most sense for Dan Lanning and his staff.
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