Oregon Ducks Gear Up for Challenging 2026 Football Schedule

Analysts weigh in on the Ducks' tough slate, including a key early conference matchup against USC.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The Oregon Ducks are preparing for their 2026 football season, which features a challenging schedule without a bye week for the final eight games. Analysts from the Big Ten Network have shared their thoughts on the Ducks' schedule, highlighting the importance of their September 26th conference opener against USC as a potential tone-setter for the rest of the Pac-12 slate.

Why it matters

Oregon is poised to be a top contender for the national championship in 2026, with key returning starters like quarterback Dante Moore, center Iapani Laloulu, and several defensive standouts. How the Ducks navigate their tough schedule, especially the early conference matchup against USC, will be crucial in determining their path to the College Football Playoff.

The details

The Ducks' 2026 season is set to start on September 5th against Boise State, before they open Pac-12 play on September 26th at USC. Oregon is scheduled to play eight straight games to end the season without a bye week, a storyline that has drawn the attention of analysts. The Ducks will also face Ohio State on November 7th and host Michigan on November 14th, in addition to their regular-season finale against Washington on November 28th.

  • The Ducks' 2026 season is set to start on September 5th.
  • Oregon is scheduled to begin Pac-12 action on September 26th at USC.
  • The Ducks will face Ohio State on November 7th.
  • Oregon will host Michigan on November 14th.
  • The Ducks will face Washington on November 28th in the regular-season finale.

The players

Dante Moore

The Ducks' starting quarterback, who elected to forgo the 2026 NFL Draft to have a chance at winning a national championship with Oregon.

Iapani Laloulu

Oregon's starting center, who also returned for the 2026 season along with several other key starters.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who has reloaded the roster with talent from the transfer portal.

Dave Revsine

A studio host for the Big Ten Network, who expressed high expectations for the Ducks in 2026.

Anthony Herron

An analyst for the Big Ten Network, who highlighted the importance of Oregon's conference opener against USC.

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What they’re saying

“This is a team, Anthony (Herron), that's hard not to be really high on. There was always a sense – particularly for Dante Moore to choose to come back, which he did – that 2026 could be the year.”

— Dave Revsine, Big Ten Network studio host

“To be able to build toward that with so many of the players, contributors – yes, there's some talent lost to the transfer portal, but much that returns. And to your point, Dante Moore, what he brings to the table as a quarterback.”

— Anthony Herron, Big Ten Network analyst

“For their schedule, I look to that Sept. 26 game against USC. Because it's going to be a game where not Dante Moore's on the field, but you're going to have Jayden Maiava out there as well, two of the most productive quarterbacks in the country from last season.”

— Anthony Herron, Big Ten Network analyst

What’s next

The Ducks' conference opener against USC on September 26th will be a pivotal early-season matchup that could set the tone for the rest of Oregon's Pac-12 schedule.

The takeaway

With a talented roster led by Dante Moore and several other key returning starters, the Oregon Ducks are poised to be a national championship contender in 2026. However, their challenging schedule, including a tough conference opener against USC, will test their mettle and could ultimately determine their path to the College Football Playoff.