Oregon football had what I would consider a successful first season in the Big Ten. The Ducks finished with a 13-1 record in a College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Looking to 2025, the schedule seems fairly favorable for Oregon to make another run toward the College Football Playoff.
The road ahead does not have Michigan or Ohio State. There is a road trip to Penn State on the schedule and a home game against Indiana. The latter two mentioned are the main highlights.
At the moment, there is an open spot for an additional game. Week 0 is wide open for the Ducks and possibly another contender. The date would be Saturday, Aug. 23. Since strength of schedule was such an important piece of the College Football Playoff puzzle this season, it may not be bad idea to take a closer look.
If Oregon were to play a game in this spot, it would clearly be a road game, likely at a neutral site in a ‘Kickoff Classic’ type contest. The opponents for the Ducks would have to be contenders next season for a chance to play in an upper tier bowl game or the CFP. I would think Georgia would not be an option as it was done a few years back.
There are several non-Big Ten teams that could be in play. Oregon already has a game with Oklahoma State slated early in 2025. While a game vs the Bulldogs is likely out, a contest against a team like Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Alabama, or even Miami could be a really good draw for both the Ducks and their respective opponent. A game with the Hurricanes is also a storyline goldmine.
As it stands, the Ducks are slated to open the 2025 season in Week 1 hosting Montana State. Gametimes and television have yet to be announced, but I expect we will start to see that beginning to take shape as we get closer to the summer.