The Oregon Ducks appear primed to make the College Football Playoff in 2026. Michigan fans don't think they can beat the Ducks.
The Oregon Ducks appear primed to make another run at the College Football Playoff in 2026.
The Ducks received a huge boost for next season when quarterback Dante Moore decided to return for one more season in Eugene instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. He was expected to be a first-round pick in April if he left for the NFL.
Oregon has a fairly favorable schedule in 2026. The toughest Big Ten contests for the Ducks will be at USC on Sept. 26, at Ohio State on Nov. 7 and at home against Michigan on Nov. 14.
The Wolverines will be a wild card next season under first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham. Whittingham elevated Utah during his two decades with the program, winning three conference championships.
However, it appears the Michigan faithful are a little worried about the matchup with the Ducks in November.
In his game-by-game prediction for Maize N Brew, Michigan alum Scotty White is predicting Oregon to beat the Wolverines, dropping UM to 8-2 on the season.
"Michigan will make its first trip to Eugene since Oregon joined the Big Ten in Week 11," White wrote. "The Ducks were one of the best teams in college football this past season, and they are expected to be a national title contender next year as well with Dante Moore returning for his senior year.
"Autzen Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in college football, and the Wolverines are going to see that up close. Michigan drops its second game of the year."
The all-time series between the two programs is even.
Oregon is 3-3 against Michigan, with the Ducks winning the last contest 38-17 in Eugene in 2024.
Michigan got the best of the Ducks early in the series. The Ducks were shut out in each of their first three games against the Wolverines.
But Oregon has won the last three contests, including a decisive 39-7 win in Ann Arbor during the 2007 campaign.
The Ducks have the firepower to blow out Michigan in 2026. But Whittingham could have something up his sleeve in a game that could determine which program makes the CFP.