Add another multi-sport athlete to the Oregon Ducks' roster—backup quarterback Mark Wiepert is swapping his helmet for a catcher's mask as the baseball season heats up. With Oregon football's spring practice officially wrapped up, Wiepert is heading back to the diamond, where he originally planned to launch his college career.
Wiepert, a standout from Willsonville High School, initially committed to play baseball at Oregon State, a perennial powerhouse on the West Coast. But in December 2024, he flipped his commitment to the Ducks, trading the catcher's gear for shoulder pads. Rated the No. 12 player in Oregon for the 2025 recruiting class by 247 Sports, he spent spring battling in a deep quarterback room featuring Dylan Raiola, Brock Thomas, and Akili Smith Jr.—a tough lineup that makes climbing the depth chart a challenge, though not impossible.
On the baseball field, Wiepert was a star in high school, earning first-team All-State honors in 2024 and being named Class 5A Co-Player of the Year in 2025. His senior season stats are eye-popping: a .554 batting average with six home runs, 10 doubles, and four triples over just 30 games. He drove in 60 RBIs and posted a staggering 1.464 OPS, showcasing the kind of power and consistency that made him a sought-after recruit.
Oregon has a history of dual-sport success. Linebacker and outfielder Bryce Boettcher walked on to both teams and was drafted in each sport, winning a Gold Glove in center field while leading the Ducks with 136 tackles last season. Wiepert's situation is trickier—rotating between quarterback and catcher is more demanding than shuffling an outfielder and linebacker—but there's potential for him to see the diamond this season.
Currently, Brayden Jaksa and Burke-Lee Mabeus are the only Ducks to have played catcher, with Tyler Holley serving as the emergency option. As Oregon heads to Los Angeles for a critical series against No. 1 UCLA, Wiepert's addition adds depth and a fresh spark behind the plate. Whether he gets game time or not, this move underscores the Ducks' commitment to versatile athletes who can excel in multiple arenas.