Steve Stephens IV, Oregon safety, reportedly makes decision on 2023 season

Steve Stephens IV was a key member of Oregon’s secondary in 2022 under first-year coach Dan Lanning, appearing in all 13 games for the Ducks.

In those games, Stephens had 43 total tackles — good for seventh on the Oregon defense — and had 2 pass breakups.

Now it appears he’s reached a decision on what to do in 2023. Per Oregon insider James Crepea, Stephens is returning to Eugene for another season with the Ducks:

Oregon safety Steve Stephens IV is returning in 2023, according to a source. 6th year senior has split time as starter and played significant share of reps the past 2 seasons.

— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) January 17, 2023

Stephens was a 4-star recruit in the class of 2018 out of Fresno, California. He has developed into a talented, important player for the Ducks.

Will he take on an even bigger role in 2023? We’ll see how things progress at Oregon this offseason.