After back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, including a semifinal run in 2025, Oregon enters the 2026 season with expectations of another postseason push.
With spring practices underway, here’s a look at Oregon’s 2026 schedule and where the Ducks stand in each matchup.
Lock Wins
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Boise State (Sep. 5)
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@ Oklahoma State (Sep. 12)
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Portland State (Sep. 19)
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UCLA (Oct. 10)
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Nebraska (Oct. 17)
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Northwestern (Oct. 31)
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@ Michigan State (Sep. 21)
Any loss in this group would send shockwaves through the sport. The trip to Stillwater against Eric Morris’ revamped Oklahoma State could be the toughest of the group, especially if the Ducks are still finding their footing early in the season.
Favored Matchups
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@ USC (Sep. 26)
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@ Illinois (Oct. 24)
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Michigan (Nov. 14)
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Washington (Nov. 28)
Michigan, USC and Washington could all find their way into the Top 25 and each presents a different challenge for Dan Lanning’s team. USC has been trending upward under Lincoln Riley, Michigan catches Oregon after what may be the Ducks’ toughest stretch of the season, and Washington remains a familiar rival capable of spoiling a big moment in Eugene. Illinois may be the safest matchup of the four, but it also requires one of Oregon’s longest road trips of the season.
Not Going to Be Favored
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@ Ohio State (Nov. 7)
A win in Columbus isn’t impossible, but it’s clearly Oregon’s toughest challenge of the season. Ohio State has historically been a difficult opponent for Oregon, and Ryan Day’s track record makes the challenge even greater. Day has won 87% of his games as head coach and holds a 55–5 conference record.
If Oregon handles the games it should win and splits the tougher matchups, the Ducks could realistically finish the regular season at 10–2 or 11–1. The road trip to Ohio State remains the biggest obstacle, but Dan Lanning’s roster has the talent to keep Oregon firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation throughout the 2026 season.