Malik Benson: Oregon's Rising Star After Florida State Transfer!

Tallahassee, USA - The Oregon Ducks football program is gearing up for an exciting new season, with fresh talent joining the ranks and opportunities unfolding for many players. One standout recruit making waves is wide receiver Malik Benson, who has been identified as a potential sleeper by ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti. Benson, who transferred from the Florida State Seminoles after the 2024 season, brings a wealth of experience and skills to Eugene.

Benson had a strong showing at Florida State, starting all 12 games and finishing the season as the team’s second-leading receiver with 25 catches for 311 yards and a touchdown. His performance in 2024 earned him accolades as the offensive newcomer of the year, adding to his already impressive résumé. Before joining the Seminoles, he played for Alabama, where he had a solid season, though it was at Hutchinson Community College that he truly shone, breaking records and showcasing his potential as a top-tier receiver.

A Promising Journey

Standing at 6-1 and weighing 195 pounds, Benson is known for his speed and explosiveness, making him a deep threat that could be key in the Ducks‘ offensive strategy, especially with the recent injury to fellow receiver Evan Stewart. Stewart’s torn patellar tendon, suffered in June, has left a gap that Benson is poised to fill. The Ducks are looking to make the most of the situation with talented players like five-star freshman Dakorien Moore and junior Justius Lowe also vying for attention.

Benson’s journey before Oregon is nothing short of remarkable. He started his college career at Hutchinson Community College, where he not only broke school records with 2,152 receiving yards over two seasons but also ranked second in the program’s history with 21 receiving touchdowns. His standout season in 2021 included 43 receptions for 1,229 yards and 11 touchdowns, which earned him first-team NJCAA DI All-America honors. His performances have always garnered attention, and it’s easy to see why he’s now in a position to thrive under head coach Will Stein’s offense.

Setting Sights on Success

Benson expressed that joining the Ducks was significantly influenced by the prospect of playing alongside newly appointed starting quarterback Dante Moore. He’s eager to contribute to a team that has lost several key players, including Tez Johnson and Terrance Ferguson, both of whom have moved to the NFL. With a team that has multiple Heisman Trophy finalists and NFL Draft picks, Benson’s arrival brings hope for continued success on the field.

Fans are eager to see what Benson will bring to the Ducks this season. His track record hints at a bright future, and the opportunity he has with Oregon could very well be the breakthrough he needs to showcase his talent on a larger stage. As the Ducks prepare for the upcoming season, Benson is certainly one of the names to watch, and Oregon could be the perfect place for him to make his mark.

To learn more about Malik Benson’s stats and background, visit his profile on the Oregon Ducks official site. For a deeper dive into his overlooked potential as a sleeper player for the Ducks, check out the detailed report from Sports Illustrated.