Oregon might have had an inkling prior to the season starting that wideout Troy Franklin was about to take a major step toward stardom, but few outside of Eugene expected the second-year wideout to break out the way he did.

In fact, expectations were low for what was a young Oregon receiving room in general entering last season. Then Franklin turned into a big-play machine, with 891 yards and nine touchdowns. Chase Cota was a reliable option for Bo Nix. Kris Hutson posted career-highs for receptions and yards.

Things are different now. Entering the 2023 season, this group looks like it will be one of the better wideout rooms in the conference.

Franklin’s return plays a part in that. Offseason additions from Alabama’s Traeshon Holden and Troy’s Tez Johnson help, too. The summer will also bring 5-star 2023 signee Jurrion Dickey to campus.

“Competition brings out the best in everyone,” wideout coach Junior Adams said Tuesday.

And the newcomers are pushing for spots.

Holden caught 46 passes for 570 yards and seven touchdowns across two seasons with Alabama.

“A lot of experience. He’s played in big games,” Adams said when asked what he brings to the group. “We’re getting Traeshon caught up to speed on what we’re doing and our verbiage and our terminology. He’s been really good. He’s working really hard at it. He comes in and does the extra work.

“Him and Tez come in at like 6:30 in the morning and they’ll start jumping into the install before anyone else gets there. You can see it’s paying off.”

Johnson caught 56 balls for 863 yards for the Trojans last season. Oregon likes his potential.

“Tez is on his way to being a pretty good player,” Adams said as a smile flashed across his face. “The cool thing about Tez is that he’s consistent. What I mean by consistent, is that he’s consistently the same person every day. He comes in, again, like I said, at 6:30. He’s got a big smile on him. He has some good energy, which he brings to that room. He’s been fun to work with.”