10 greatest Oregon football players from the Mario Cristobal era

Travis Dye

Brother to Troy, Travis Dye didn’t stay with the Ducks for his entire collegiate career. Before transferring to USC, Dye was a phenomenal running back for Oregon though.

He led Oregon with 443 rushing yards in 2020 and was the only Pac-12 player with 400+ rushing yards and 200+ yards receiving that year. In his four years with the Ducks, Dye had 29 total touchdowns, 869 yards receiving, and astonishing 3,111 rushing yards.

After seeing slightly tapered success with the Trojans, Dye went undrafted in 2023 but was signed by the New York Jets in May of that year. Before being let on the field, the Jets waived the Duck in August of 2023.

While struggling to find his footing in the league, Travis Dye is undisputably an Oregon great, Duck fans can only hope that he finds his place in the NFL.

Steve Stephens IV

Though he finished his collegiate career under Dan Lanning, Steve Stephens IV is a recruit from Cristobal’s time with the Ducks. Only appearing three games a season in both 2018 and 2020, Stephens has technically spent six years in Eugene, and the time has paid off.

Earning 80 solo and 149 total tackles, the Duck has become an indomitable force for Oregon opponents to reckon with. 

Through his 54 games on the roster, Stephens learned from those who came before him and stepped into a leadership role during his junior and season years. Under new head coach Dan Lanning, Stephens seemed to find his true form.

Stephens’ senior year showcased his talent, consisting of 56 tackles and two interceptions. At the end of the 2023-24 season, Stephens announced that he would be heading to the 2024 NFL Draft.