Gatlin Bair, a five‑star recruit out of the 2024 class, has been labeled the fastest player in EA Sports College Football 27, his overall speed rating hitting a perfect 99.
His decision to commit to the Oregon Ducks on February 3, 2024, over the Michigan Wolverines sent a ripple through the recruiting landscape, underscoring the Ducks’ aggressive pursuit of top talent.
Ranked No. 27 nationally and No. 6 among wide receivers, Bair arrives in Eugene with a reputation that blends raw velocity with refined route running, positioning him as a cornerstone for a revamped receiving corps.
A New Era of Speed in Eugene
The Ducks’ pass‑catching group already boasts a mix of proven playmakers, including Jeremiah McClellan, Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart and the UAB transfer Iverson Hooks, each bringing a distinct skill set to the mix.
Last season, former wideout Malik Benson led the team with 43 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns, setting a high bar for production that Bair hopes to surpass.
Jeremiah McClellan contributed 38 catches for 557 yards and three scores in the 2025 campaign, while Moore and Stewart are expected to feature prominently in new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer’s scheme.
Stewart, however, missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his patellar tendon in the right knee, and Moore battled a lingering knee injury that forced him to sit out several games.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Lanning, believes that the combination of Bair’s elite speed and the existing talent pool can finally push Oregon past its recent near‑misses and into contention for a first national championship.
If the Ducks can stay healthy and harness the depth of their receiving options, the upcoming season may finally deliver the breakthrough that fans have been waiting for.