Six Oregon Ducks make the cut for CBS’ Top 100 Players of 2024

While fans might argue that the entire Oregon roster deserves a spot in the Top 100, these six players received a well-deserved nod for their star power.

Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart attempts to avoid defensive back Solomon Davis during practice.
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart attempts to avoid defensive back Solomon Davis during practice. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

From quarterback Dillon Gabriel to offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., the Ducks are all over CBS’ latest list of the top 100 college football players in the nation.

Oregon had six players make the list of top-tier athletes set to take the field next season and while there is always an argument for more Ducks in a flock, these six spots are well-deserved nods for the players.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) drops back to pass during a college football game
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) drops back to pass during a college football game | BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY

The Ducks' new (expected) starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel has received a lot of attention since he decided to leave the Oklahoma Sooners for Dan Lanning's squad.

As spring practices and scrimmages unfold, Oregon players have also given Gabriel great reviews as excitement builds around this top-tier Oregon team.

Sep 2, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Evan Stewart (1).
Sep 2, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Evan Stewart (1). | Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Another fresh transfer on Oregon's roster, Evan Stewart has made a splash in Eugene after he left the Texas A&M Aggies.

A top recruit coming out of high school and one of the most sought after transfer players, Stewart committed to Lanning and the Ducks earlier this year and is set to become a key piece of Oregon's offense.

Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies  corner back Jabbar Muhammad (1) celebrates.
Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies corner back Jabbar Muhammad (1) celebrates. | Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

After the Washington Huskies beat up on Oregon twice last season just to lose in the National Championship game, and later lose their head coach, star cornerback Jabbar Muhammad decided it was time for green pastures (and uniforms).

Muhammad is arguably one of the top defensive players in the nation and will certainly be a vital part of Oregon's defensive secondary this season.

Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell (93).
Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell (93). | Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Yet another transfer that Lanning scooped up during the postseason is former Houston Cougar Jamaree Caldwell.

Caldwell is a menace on the defensive end of the ball and consistently disrupts plays with his quick twitch motion and incredible sense of where the ball is heading.

Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson talks to head coach Dan Lanning during spring camp for the Oregon Ducks.
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson talks to head coach Dan Lanning during spring camp for the Oregon Ducks. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

When Tez Johnson announced he would be returning to Oregon's roster for a final year, the hearts of Duck fans across the nation melted.

Last season, Johnson had 86 receptions for nearly 1,200 yards and scored 10 touchdowns through the air for Oregon.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Arizona State Sun Devils. | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Conerly was part of an "anchor of an Oregon offensive line" last season for the Ducks that allowed a minuscule 5 sacks and 44.0 tackles for loss.

Entering his junior season with the Ducks, Conerly is set to become not just a leader in the locker room but a problem for defensive players to try to by pass.

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