Who is Malik Benson? Meet Oregon WR becoming star for Ducks after stops at Alabama, Florida State

Oregon's offense needed someone to step up with freshman WR Dakorien Moore still injured, and Malik Benson answered the call on Saturday.

Benson shined early in the Ducks' pivotal matchup with the Trojans, making an impact through the air and as a returner. Benson gave Oregon its lead back on an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown, making him the star of the first half.

After stops at Alabama and Florida State, Benson appears to be finding his footing in Eugene.

Here's what you need to know about Benson and how he ended up at Oregon.

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Who is Malik Benson?

Benson began his collegiate career at the junior college level before moving to Alabama and then transferring to Florida State after one year in Tuscaloosa.

Known for his speed as a receiver and returner, Benson played a limited role with the Crimson Tide in 2023 and was part of an ineffective Seminoles offense in 2024, totaling 311 yards and a touchdown in a passing game that struggled to get going.

He transferred to Oregon for his final collegiate stop, and the move has paid off. The speedster recorded 357 yards and three touchdowns on just 22 catches before a breakout performance against USC.

Originally from Lansing, Kansas, Benson started at Hutchinson Community College before rising to the top of the junior college transfer rankings and moving to Alabama ahead of the 2023 season.

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Malik Benson stats vs. USC

Here are Benson's numbers from the first half of Saturday's game against USC:

• Catches: 3
• Rec. yards: 57
• Y/R: 19.0
• Total Yards: 142
• Total TD: 1 (punt return)

The well-traveled wide receiver turned momentum back in Oregon's direction with an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown, but that wasn't all. Benson had a 24-yard reception on the Ducks' first touchdown drive, and he kickstarted another touchdown drive with a 30-yard gain on third down in the second quarter.

MALIK BENSON WAS FLYIN pic.twitter.com/rOyUClTk4I

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 22, 2025

Why did Malik Benson leave Alabama?

Benson entered the transfer portal before coach Nick Saban's decision to retire, doing so after playing a fairly limited role in his only season in Tuscaloosa. Benson finished the 2023 season with 13 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown.

Once Saban retired, the door closed on a potential Benson return to Alabama, and he moved on to a Florida State program coming off an undefeated regular season.

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Why did Malik Benson leave Florida State?

Benson never explained why he decided to leave Florida State after only one season, but he wasn't sure he would even have more than one season of eligibility remaining when he transferred to the Seminoles. A ruling on the NCAA's eligibility rules for players who started at the junior college level opened the door for Benson to return for another season, and he decided to start fresh after a dismal two-win season in Tallahassee.

After transferring to Oregon, Benson said he was intrigued by new Ducks starting QB Dante Moore. It didn't take long to find out why. 

Malik Benson 40 time

Benson does not have a documented 40-yard dash time, but he has been clocked at about a blazing 10.4 seconds in the 100-meter dash, according to 247 Sports.