In the ever-evolving world of college football, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuations matter more than ever. Oregon Ducks receiver Evan Stewart is a pretty striking example of how a player’s marketability can go way beyond just what they do on the field.
Even after a tough season-ending knee injury in 2025, Stewart bounced back and now sits among the nation’s elite in NIL valuation. His story is honestly kind of wild—he’s managed to stay in the spotlight, land impressive NIL deals, and spark bigger questions about what’s next for college football.
The Resurgence of Evan Stewart
Stewart came into the 2026 season carrying some heavy expectations. Recovering from a torn patellar tendon that kept him out all of 2025 wasn’t easy, but here he is, catching passes from quarterback Dante Moore and looking like a key piece in one of the country’s top receiving groups.
People are eager to see what Stewart can do, and it’s not just about his athletic skills. His sizable NIL valuation has everyone talking.
Top NIL Valuations Among Receivers
Stewart’s NIL valuation sits at $1.5 million, putting him fourth among all receivers. He’s just behind Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Texas’s Cam Coleman, and Alabama’s Ryan Williams. Here’s how the top five stack up:
- Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Jeremiah Smith – $4.2 million
- Texas Longhorns receiver Cam Coleman – $2.9 million
- Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Ryan Williams – $1.6 million
- Oregon Ducks receiver Evan Stewart – $1.5 million
- Florida State Seminoles receiver Duce Robinson – $1.3 million
All five of these top receivers play in the Big Ten or SEC, which kind of says it all about where the money is right now. Stewart’s spot on this list—even after missing a whole season—just shows how strong his brand really is.
Stewart’s NIL Deals and Social Media Influence
He’s scored NIL deals with names like NXTRND, Coach, NOCCO USA, and the EA Sports College Football 25 video game. That’s a pretty impressive lineup of endorsements, honestly.
Social Media Presence
Stewart’s also built a serious following online, which definitely helps his marketability:
- 280,000 followers on Instagram
- 2.1 million followers on TikTok
- 29,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter)
His TikTok journey actually started on a whim—a friend asked him to join a video, and it just blew up. Stewart remembers that first video racking up 300,000 views in two hours, which is kind of nuts.
Since then, he’s collaborated with big names like NFL star Jalen Ramsey, singer Addison Rae, and even Drake and Chris Brown. Not too shabby for a college athlete, right?
The Impact of NIL Valuations
So, what’s an NIL valuation, exactly? It’s basically an estimate of what a college player’s name, image, and likeness are worth at any given moment. On3’s NIL Valuation looks at both Roster Value and personal NIL.
For Stewart, that high number really highlights how much he matters both on the field and in the marketplace.
Oregon’s Top NIL Valuations
Within the Oregon roster, Stewart’s $1.5 million valuation is second only to quarterback Dante Moore. Here’s a quick look at the Ducks’ top NIL valuations heading into 2026:
- Quarterback Dante Moore – $3 million
- Wide Receiver Evan Stewart – $1.5 million
- Defensive lineman Bear Alexander – $1.2 million
- Outside linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei – $1.2 million
- Outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti – $1 million
- Defensive lineman A’Mauri Washington – $811K
- Wide receiver Dakorien Moore – $712K
- Tight end Jamari Johnson – $684K
- Defensive back Brandon Finney Jr. – $654K
The Road Ahead for Stewart and the Ducks
Stewart’s choice to stick around for the 2026 season was heavily influenced by Dante Moore deciding not to enter the NFL Draft. *I want to play with Dante, if I’m being for real,* Stewart told 247Sports. *Me and Dante were going to be something. I still want to play with him. If he comes back, it’s going to be lit, I know that.*
Now that both are back, there’s a real sense that something special could be brewing for the Ducks this season.
Stewart’s Early Career and Transfer to Oregon
Stewart’s journey started at Texas A&M, where he stood out as a 6-foot, 170-pound five-star prospect in the loaded 2022 signing class. He led the Aggies in receiving as a freshman with 53 catches for 649 yards and two touchdowns, earning a spot on the 2022 SEC All-Freshman Team.
When he hit the transfer portal in 2024, he was ranked as the top receiver available and eventually picked Oregon over USC, LSU, and Florida State. By the end of 2024, he was the Ducks’ third leading receiver, posting 48 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns.
Conclusion
Evan Stewart’s journey says a lot about resilience and marketability in today’s college football. He faced a tough injury but managed to get back on the field.
Now, he’s got a strong NIL valuation and a pretty active social media presence. Oregon’s looking ahead to the 2026 season, and Stewart—teaming up with quarterback Dante Moore—might just help the Ducks reach new heights.
Curious about Stewart’s NIL value or his impact on Oregon football? You can dive into the full article here.
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