The Oregon Ducks aren’t sneaking up on anyone this year.
After storming into the Big Ten last season and finishing with a conference title in their debut campaign, Oregon enters 2025 with a shiny No. 3 preseason ranking, trailing only Penn State and Ohio State. For some programs, that would be a flattering surprise. For Oregon, it’s a starting point.
With a loaded roster, proven coaching staff, and just enough disrespect to stay motivated, the Ducks are not just aiming for another Big Ten title—they’re eyeing a national championship.
Last Year Was No Fluke
Oregon didn’t just dip a toe into Big Ten waters in 2024—they cannonballed in and soaked the whole league. Undefeated in the regular season. A Big Ten title game win over Penn State. A No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Dan Lanning’s team wasn’t riding a wave—they built the wave. And in 2025, they return a core that knows how to win, how to hit, and how to handle expectations.
Quarterback, Questions, and the Moore Era Begins
The biggest offseason storyline? Replacing Dillon Gabriel. But the Ducks didn’t panic. They handed the keys to Dante Moore, the highly touted former five-star prospect from UCLA. After a year of development, Moore is set to lead an offense with explosive weapons at every position.
He’ll have Evan Stewart, a veteran receiver with elite route-running skills, and Dakorien Moore, a true freshman with top-end speed and sky-high potential. Jordan James returns as the thunder in the backfield, offering power, vision, and consistency.
And don’t forget the offensive line—anchored by Iapani Laloulu, one of the best centers in the country. This unit will give Moore the time he needs to thrive, and the Ducks the balance they’ll need in big games.
Defense Wins Big Ten Titles
This defense? Legit.
Matayo Uiagalelei comes off the edge like he’s shot out of a cannon. Bryce Boettcher, a former walk-on turned Burlsworth Trophy winner, is back to lead the linebackers. And Dillon Thieneman, who was phenomenal as a freshman at Purdue, now roams the Ducks’ secondary.
Oregon’s defense isn’t just a complementary piece to the offense—it might be the best unit on the team. That’s saying something in a conference known for trench warfare and cold-weather slugfests.
Penn State, Ohio State … and Then Oregon?
So why aren’t the Ducks No. 1 in the preseason?
Penn State returns nearly its entire roster from last year’s playoff team, including veteran QB Drew Allar and a loaded defense. Ohio State, meanwhile, has blue-chip talent at nearly every position, including superstar wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, and elite safety Caleb Downs.
But while those two programs are loaded, Oregon has the edge in one critical category: continuity. Dan Lanning has built a system, not just a roster. And in a league that eats coaching turnover alive, that’s Oregon’s secret sauce.
🗓️ 2025 Oregon Ducks Football Schedule — With Projections
| Date | Opponent | Location | Projected Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 30 | Montana State | Home | ✅ Win (1–0) |
| Sept 6 | Oklahoma State | Home | ✅ Win (2–0) |
| Sept 13 | @ Northwestern* | Away | ✅ Win (3–0) |
| Sept 20 | Oregon State | Home | ✅ Win (4–0) |
| Sept 27 | @ Penn State* | Away | ❌ Loss (4–1) |
| Oct 11 | Indiana* | Home | ✅ Win (5–1) |
| Oct 18 | @ Rutgers* | Away | ✅ Win (6–1) |
| Oct 25 | Wisconsin* | Home | ✅ Win (7–1) |
| Nov 8 | @ Iowa* | Away | ✅ Win (8–1) |
| Nov 15 | Minnesota* | Home | ✅ Win (9–1) |
| Nov 22 | USC* | Home | ✅ Win (10–1) |
| Nov 29 | @ Washington* | Away | ✅ Win (11–1) |
* Big Ten game
Final Projection: 11–1 (8–1 Big Ten)
What Will Decide Oregon’s Fate?
The trip to Happy Valley in late September looms large. That’s the toughest game on the schedule, and it’s early. If the Ducks fall there, they’ll need to stay clean the rest of the way—and they have the firepower to do just that.
The Iowa game in Kinnick will be a grind. The USC showdown at home could be a trap. And Washington in Seattle to close the season? That’s a rivalry game with CFP implications written all over it.
But here’s the thing: if Oregon wins 11 games and reaches the Big Ten Championship again, they’ll be right back in the playoff conversation.
Final Thought: Is Oregon Underrated at No. 3?
We get it—Penn State and Ohio State have tradition. They’ve earned respect. But don’t sleep on Oregon. The Ducks are deep, disciplined, and built for Big Ten football.
They might be ranked third now, but if things go right—and if Dante Moore grows up fast—don’t be surprised if they’re holding the trophy in December.
Prediction: Oregon goes 11–1 and returns to the Big Ten Championship Game—again.
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