The Oregon Ducks enter 2025 with Big Ten swagger, a new quarterback in Dante Moore, and the same lofty expectations that have followed them for years. The schedule is loaded with storylines—from a dangerous FCS opener to Big Ten road traps and a heavyweight clash in Happy Valley. Some games look like layups, others like landmines, but each one will help define whether Oregon is a playoff contender or just another talented team trying to find its footing. Here’s how we see the season playing out, week by week.
Oregon Vs. Montana State
If Oregon were playing any other FCS team, this would be a one-line preview. But Montana State is worthy; they finished 15-1 last year and lost in the FCS Championship game by three points. The Bobcats are a strong team with a good offensive line and defense. The problem is that they lost their quarterback, Tommy Mellott, to the NFL Draft, and are unproven at the receiver position. This spells disaster against an angry Ducks team. UO decimates them, but the Bobcats should still be respected.
Record: 1-0
Oregon Vs. Oklahoma State
This is a really good time to play Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have historically proven a scary team under Mike Gundy, but not right now. The Pokes finished 3-9 (0-9) last year in the worst year in Gundy’s tenure. This season, they’ll feature a signal caller who’s never thrown a pass at the collegiate level and five lineman who’ve never played a game for Oklahoma State. Their defense should prove a little better, making this a perfect warmup game for Dante Moore—chill blowout for UO.
Record: 2-0
Oregon @ Northwestern
If Northwestern can find some production out of their new quarterback, Preston Stone, this matchup might prove a trap. The Wildcats usually have a solid defense and a subpar offense, and Stone has the potential to change that. Northwestern could be good this season, but they don’t have enough playmakers at the skill positions to threaten Oregon. This feels like a matchup that’ll stay low scoring for a while before the Ducks let loose.
Record: 3-0
Oregon Vs. Oregon State
The Beavers always fight hard against Oregon, but the Ducks are different under Dan Lanning. Lanning has built UO like an SEC team, meaning they’re vicious at every position. This is not the 2022 Oregon team that got run over in the fourth quarter by the Beavs. The Ducks are better at most positions on the field except quarterback. Even if Dante Moore has an off game, Oregon should have enough talent to find a dub.
Record: 4-0
Oregon @ Penn State
This is the most difficult game on the Ducks’ schedule. Penn State returns its starting signal caller, Drew Allar, as well as its dominant halfback tandem in Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. They also return four starters on the offensive line and playmakers at every level on defense. This will likely be Dante Moore’s first test of the year, and he might not be ready for the exam. It’s unlikely Oregon will be in any close contests before Happy Valley, and Moore’s lack of experience will show. Sometimes, an early-season loss is a good thing.
Record: 4-1
Oregon Vs. Indiana
It still feels weird that Indiana was in the College Football Playoff a year ago. This year’s version of the Hoosiers is a little different; they only return eight starters from their 2024 squad. They got a transfer quarterback from California in Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has thrown for 4,712 yards and three touchdowns over the last two years. IU has improved under Curt Cignetti, but they’re not yet on the Ducks’ level. Oregon’s going to win comfortably regardless of what happens in Happy Valley. UO Cruises.
Record: 5-1
Oregon @ Rutgers
This is the biggest trap game on the Ducks’ 2025 schedule. Greg Schiano’s Rutgers teams are different from the ones before, and they showed that last year. This season, they return their quarterback, four starting offensive linemen, and their top two receivers. They also secured a solid defensive haul in the transfer portal, which should improve a unit that struggled last year. This matchup should scare Oregon fans, but Dakorien Moore is gonna take over. The Ducks win a scare.
Record: 6-1
Oregon Vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is different from what it used to be, but it’s trying to change back. Over the last two years, they’ve attempted to implement Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo’s offense, but it hasn’t worked for the Badgers. Longo attempted to throw the ball in Madison, and last season they ranked 109th in points per game. This year, Wisconsin brought in Jeff Grimes to replace Longo, who runs a more Badger-esque offense. This squad will probably be tough to beat in a few years, but they’re still in a transitional phase. Oregon wins a borderline blowout.
Record: 7-1
Oregon @ Iowa
While Wisconsin may not be Wisconsin right now, Iowa is Iowa. In Head Coach Kirk Ferentz’s 27th year, the Hawkeyes follow the same formula. Run the ball, play good defense, and don’t make mistakes. Iowa could prove strong this year with transfer signal-caller Mark Gronowski leading the team. Gronowski won two FCS National Championships at South Dakota State. They also return three seniors on the offensive line, including an all-conference center. If this were UO two years ago, they’d be in a bad place in Iowa City. But they should have just enough talent to get by.
Record: 8-1
Oregon Vs. Minnesota
Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota all kinda feel like the same team, remember the Pac-12? All bad jokes aside, the Golden Gophers are a decent team that’s going to be breaking in a freshman quarterback. Drake Lindsey is expected to be a solid player in the long run for Minnesota. Complementing him are two transfer receivers in Logan Loya and Javon Tracy. The Golden Gophers are fun, but they don’t have enough talent to hang with the Ducks. Oregon handles the North Star State.
Record: 9-1
Oregon Vs. USC
With all the changes in the college football landscape, USC has gotten lost in the mix. 2026 is expected to be the year when the Trojans make the leap, but this year’s squad should be decent. They’re led by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who was good in a small sample size, going 3-1 as their starter. Maiava will have two legit threats to throw to at wideout in Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. USC has also improved its defense under Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn. The Trojans are good, but the Ducks are great.
Record: 10-1
Oregon @ Washington
This year’s version of Washington is either going to be a year or way or darn good. The Huskies are led by signal caller Demond Williams Jr., who is lightning fast but has only seen 153 snaps at the collegiate level. Williams Jr. will be joined in the backfield by Jonah Coleman, who is arguably the most physical back in the Big Ten. They also return Denzel Boston at wideout. UW will feature a lot of transfer players on defense this year after losing most of their productivity from their 2024 roster. Some notable newcomers on this side of the ball include defensive tackle Simote Pepa and linebacker Jacob Manu. Washington isn’t the only team with a fast quarterback; Dante Moore puts his stamp on his legacy.
Record: 11-1
