Former Oregon Ducks wide receiver and four-star recruit Ryan Pellum is set to begin a new chapter with the Delaware State University football team, sources confirmed Wednesday.
Pellum, who starred at Long Beach Millikan High School and was considered one of California’s top prospects in the 2024 class, arrives at Delaware State following a tumultuous stint at Oregon.
The wideout, who redshirted his freshman year, has four years of eligibility remaining and will play under first-year head coach DeSean Jackson, the NFL legend embarking on his own collegiate coaching journey.
Pellum’s transfer comes after an incident in which he was accused of pistol-whipping a man in Long Beach, California, in 2024. He later pleaded no contest to aggravated assault in Los Angeles County.
As part of his probation, Pellum must complete a 52-week anger management course and 100 hours of community service, as well as surrender any firearms registered to him.
Despite off-field challenges, Pellum’s on-field résumé is impressive.
In his senior year at Millikan High School, he snagged 66 receptions for 991 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning an invitation to the prestigious Polynesian Bowl. His emergence as a playmaker drew attention from top programs coast-to-coast before he signed with the Ducks in December 2023.
He was one of four wide receivers in his class to enroll at Oregon, and he was rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 145 player and No. 26 WR in the 2024 class.
As a freshman, Pellum played just 11 snaps, eight of which were on special teams.
At Delaware State, Pellum joins a program eager for a turnaround, where Jackson and former Oregon receiver Samie Parker will oversee the wide receivers unit.
The Hornets, who compete at the FCS level, open their season on August 28 against in-state rival Delaware.
Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner, will have the opportunity to harness Pellum’s speed and route-running as the Hornets look to make noise in their league. Pellum’s arrival may be unconventional, but it signals hope for both player and school—a chance for redemption on and off the field.
