UPDATE: The Oregon Ducks have officially named Gary Bryant Jr. as their starting punt returner for the 2025 season, following the departure of standout Tez Johnson. This urgent decision comes as the Ducks gear up to face Montana State in their season opener.
Bryant, who had limited opportunities last season due to injury, showcased his potential with five returns for 42 yards over the final five games. With Johnson’s impressive average of 11.92 yards per return—ranking him 15th nationally—the pressure is on Bryant to deliver.
Special teams coordinator Joe Lorig expressed the challenge of filling Johnson’s shoes, stating, “Replacing that’s difficult… I’m really excited about Gary Bryant. He’s really talented, really secure with the ball.” The Ducks’ success this season heavily relies on Bryant’s ability to make crucial decisions under pressure.
Bryant, who previously recorded 11 returns for 50 yards at USC in 2021, is eager to step up. “I want it bad. Going out there, putting my head down and earning the position,” he said, reflecting his determination to prove himself in this pivotal role.
Oregon’s special teams have two primary goals: maintaining possession and minimizing penalties. Coach Dan Lanning emphasized, “Always our No. 1 goal is possession of the ball. He’s done a really good job of that.” Last season highlighted the importance of reliability, as the Ducks struggled when forced to rely on less experienced players like Ryan Pellum and Evan Stewart.
Despite a shakeup in the roster, with fellow receivers Dakorian Moore and Malik Benson also getting practice at punt return, Bryant stands out as the most experienced option. Lorig noted that his training sessions have had more churn than in previous years, further underscoring the significance of Bryant’s role.
As the Ducks prepare for their pivotal matchup, all eyes will be on Bryant to see if he can harness his talent and experience to fill the void left by Johnson. Fans are buzzing with anticipation for the season’s kickoff, eager to see if Bryant can deliver the same game-changing impact.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Ducks get ready to launch their season!