The road to a national championship is long, grueling, and full of twists, but for the Oregon Ducks, it’s starting with a promising head start. The Associated Press released its 2025 preseason Top 25 on Monday, and Oregon landed at No. 7—a position that brings both opportunity and pressure.
This is the Ducks’ fifth preseason Top-10 appearance in the College Football Playoff era, a testament to the program’s staying power under head coach Dan Lanning. Oregon comes in behind Big Ten powers Penn State (No. 2) and Ohio State (No. 3), as well as defending national champion Texas (No. 1) and perennial contender Georgia (No. 5).
While rankings in August don’t guarantee wins in November, they do set the tone—and in this case, they suggest national respect for a program that lost 18 starters from last season’s 13-1 campaign.
A Ranking With Real Stakes
Being slotted seventh means more than just bragging rights. Under the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, teams ranked 5–8 will host first-round playoff games. If Oregon can hold or improve on its position, Autzen Stadium could be the site of one of the sport’s biggest postseason stages.
It also positions the Ducks squarely in the conversation for something even bigger: the program’s first-ever national championship. The Ducks have been to the title game twice before (2010, 2014) but came up short both times. Now, in their second year in the Big Ten, they’re chasing history while also aiming to defend their conference crown.
Does No. 7 Make Sense?
That depends on how you view preseason polls. On one hand, Oregon’s resume under Lanning—double-digit wins every year, a Big Ten title in their debut season, and a strong recruiting pipeline—makes a Top-10 ranking feel warranted. They’ve proven they can reload quickly, and the combination of new quarterback Dante Moore and running back Makhi Hughes gives them legitimate offensive firepower.
On the other hand, losing 18 starters is no small thing. Voters are banking on Lanning’s system and the Ducks’ talent depth, but there’s a case to be made that starting in the 8–12 range would have been safer until this new roster proves itself against quality competition. In other words, the No. 7 spot is a show of faith—and a challenge to live up to it.
The Big Ten Gauntlet
A repeat Big Ten title won’t come easily. Oregon faces road tests against Penn State and Iowa, along with potential postseason rematches against the conference’s blue bloods. And while the Ducks are seen as one of the league’s heavyweights, the conference’s recent dominance, two straight national titles (Michigan 2023, Ohio State 2024), means no one can take their foot off the gas.
Still, the Ducks have reason for optimism. If the offense gels quickly and the defense reloads effectively, Oregon could be dangerous from the opening whistle.
Why This Matters
Starting high in the polls gives a program a valuable cushion. One early loss doesn’t necessarily derail playoff hopes, and the national spotlight helps with recruiting, fan excitement, and media attention. It also builds confidence within the locker room, especially for a team breaking in so many new starters.
The Ducks aren’t just playing for a playoff berth. They’re chasing something far bigger—a chance to make history. And if the preseason rankings are any indication, the rest of the college football world believes they just might be capable of doing it.
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