Willamette offense hopes to hit ground running in 6A football

The Willamette Wolverines have been the talk of the offseason in the state of Oregon, as the program moves from the 5A level to 6A and is bolstered by a collection of returning talent and transfers.   Despite the new challenge and new faces, Willamette coach Josh Line is pleased with the way his team has responded.   “Our team culture took a huge step forward last year and our success last season and this offseason are a reflection of that,” he said.   Here's a look at the Willamette offense (<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/08/willamette-defense-led-by-coveted-oregon-ducks-commit/">Willamette defense here</a>):   Quarterback   Class of 2028 quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='904208' first='Zeke' last='Thomas'] returns after a stellar freshman campaign in which he threw for 2,503 yards with 28 touchdowns and just four interceptions.   The 6-foot-1, 180-pound football/baseball standout is considered arguably the state's top prospect in his class.   And for good reason.   “He's fast," Line said. "He can run. He can really throw it and he sees things well."   Equally important, Thomas has taken the responsibility of being a young star in stride and has high character.   “He's a great kid - really mature for his age," Line said. "He has the capacity to be a leader that's tremendous for his age. He could evolve into being a coach out of the field, some of which he's already doing.”    With all of that going for him, it's no surprise Thomas has sky-high expectations.   But he also seems to understand that his talented teammates can help him carry the burden.   “Managing pressure is always the head coach's job," Line said. "The cool thing is that instead of the conversation being about not getting your hopes high, it's trusting your teammates and understanding they can make plays to take the pressure off you.”   Willamette has a few younger quarterbacks who are also talented, but they may find themselves blocked for the next three years by Thomas.   Running back   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1103441' first='Maveryck' last='Akers'] returns after rushing for over 1,000 yards last season.   While 6-foot, 190-pound ball-carrier isn't over fast, he has an excellent blend of skills that allows him to be a versatile, productive piece in the Wolverines' offense.   “He's not overly fast, but he's really, really tough, runs hard and has a unique running style that makes him tough to bring down," Line said. "He has good vision and finds the gaps.”     Zuzi Alwimeyan and [player_tooltip player_id='1267013' first='Braeden' last='Reyes'] are talented players who will rotate in and have a chance to make big plays.   “(Zuzi) has done a great job," Line said. "Thijs offseason and we're excited to see him emerge.”   Wide receiver    Willamette has a collection of pass-catchers who could see the ball come their way.   And it's an exciting group.   "We've got a bunch of guys who are really good," Line said.   Transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1654724' first='Hunter' last='Vaughn'] rushed for 2,673 yards and 45 touchdowns last year at North Douglas, but has the chance to grab the WR1 role this year at Willamette.   He's a playmaker who could see touches in a variety of ways.   “We really like [player_tooltip player_id='1654724' first='Hunter' last='Vaughn']," Line said. "He's explosive. He's fast. He's still learning our system, but he''s grown a lot.”   Line cautions, however, that a lot of names could step up and make big plays, including Tae'Sean Tarusan, [player_tooltip player_id='1609788' first='Knox' last='Smith'], Brady Barry, Brodie Butler and others.   “Those guys are all competing for spots on the perimeter," Line said.   At tight end, [player_tooltip player_id='739439' first='Tony' last='Cumberland'] and [player_tooltip player_id='791149' first='Kawai' last='Chamberlin'] make up one of the most dynamic, physical 1-2 punches at tight end anywhere in the state.   Cumberland, an Oregon commit, and Chamberlin, a budding 2027 prospect, are both truly special athletes who should be able to bolster both the run and passing game from the tight end position.   Offensive line   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1569372' first='Aiden' last='Lewey'], who has had a breakout spring and summer, will be counted on significantly at Willamette this year.   “He's one of the best offensive linemen in the state," Line said. "He's really fast for his size. He carries about 275 and is fast with great feet.”   Versatile class of 2027 lineman [player_tooltip player_id='937281' first='Tripp' last='Johansen'] is another major highlight of the group.   The two works well in tandem and are both college prospects.   “They are both really, really good linemen.” Line said.   Right guard Zayden Howard may not have been a massive factor last season, but he's put in tremendous work this offseason and has begun to earn the tresut of the staff.   “He's made the biggest jump this offseason," Line said. "He's like a different player. He's really pushed it and we are seeing the results.”    Youngster Jason Truong is emerging as a potential breakout candidate, while the left guard competition remains a battle worth watching.   The offensive line is a talented group and could develop into a strength as young athletes continue to step up around Lewey and Johansen.

The Willamette Wolverines have been the talk of the offseason in the state of Oregon, as the program moves from the 5A level to 6A and is bolstered by a collection of returning talent and transfers.