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3 offensive breakout candidates for Oregon football in 2024

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jurrion Dickey (99) warms up before a game against the Washington Huskies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Jurrion Dickey (99) warms up before a game against the Washington Huskies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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The 2024 Oregon football season is almost upon us and that just means it's almost time for the Ducks to make their run at a national title.

Oregon starts the 2024 season as the No. 3 team in the country and that's in both the Coaches and AP polls which means basically everyone believes the Ducks are the best team not named Georgia or Ohio State. And there's going to be a serious debate about the latter when the two meet up in Eugene on Oct. 12.

But before we can even dive into the schedule, let's take a look at my top three offensive breakout candidates for the Ducks as we head into the season.

3. Jurrion Dickey, WR

We heard all about former five-star receiver Jurrion Dickey during spring ball and the coaches raved about his progress but he was limited to start fall camp.

Now it's time for him to put it all together and play to his potential.

Dickey has the size (6-2, 205) and skill set to become one of the best offensive weapons on the team and while he will likely begin the season as a backup, I wouldn't be shocked to see him rise into that starting rotation and become a legit breakout star as a redshirt freshman.

2. Noah Whittington, RB

It feels like everyone is predicting that Noah Whittington will break out this season and I'm jumping aboard the bandwagon. The Comeback Player of the Year candidate was off to a strong start in 2023 with 224 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury.

Now he's back with a chance to push Jordan James for the starting job and splitting carries now that Bucky Irving has moved on. Whittington is a veteran with plenty of proof that he can be a star running back and I wouldn't be shocked if he became a 1,000-yard rusher in 2024.

1. Evan Stewart, WR

This is my top breakout candidate because I truly think he's going to fill in for Troy Franklin seamlessly as a starting wideout and he'll push for 1,000 yards this season now that he actually has a quality offense surrounding him and a competent coach calling plays. Oh, and having Dillon Gabriel and another elite wideout to take pressure off him will help.

Evan Stewart was one of the top recruits in the entire 2022 class and had a nice freshman year with Texas A&M but took a step back as a sophomore, but I think year three at Oregon will be his best yet.

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