The Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning have two pivotal games during the 2026 college football regular season that could dictate their chances at a playoff run.
The Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning have done a terrific job of preparing for the upcoming college football season this offseason.
While the program did an excellent job of targeting multiple key playmakers in the transfer portal, such as former Minnesota safety Koi Perich, the Ducks were able to retain some of the top veterans from the 2025 season. This includes the likes of quarterback Dante Moore and interior defensive lineman A’Muri Washington, who were both important parts of the team’s success last year.
However, in order to get over the hump during the 2026 season, there is a tough stretch of games that Oregon will encounter, which could ultimately dictate the Ducks' success next year.
Oregon’s Toughest Stretch in 2026
Ohio State Buckeyes fans cheer during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2025. Ohio State won 41-21 (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)To kick off the upcoming season, Lanning and the Ducks have multiple favorable matchups, featuring a rematch against the Boise State Broncos and a road contest against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. And despite the program’s Big 10 Conference schedule avoiding the reigning National Champions in the Indiana Hoosiers, Oregon has two pivotal games in the month of November that could alter their hopes for a shot at the College Football Playoffs.
On Nov 7, the Ducks are set to reignite their newest rivalry against the Ohio State Buckeyes on the road. Led by head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes were able to swiftly defeat Oregon in the 2024 Rose Bowl, 41-21. Now, with Day and Ohio State set to return 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist, quarterback Julian Sayin, the Ducks must find a way to overcome the program during their trip to Columbus.
To make matters worse, Lanning’s squad will not receive a break after its battle against the Buckeyes, as Oregon will return home the next week to host the Michigan Wolverines on Nov 14. After an underwhelming 2025 season with star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines will look to reshape the program under the likes of former Utah head coach Kyle Wittingham, making the game a must-win for Oregon in 2026.
If the Ducks can successfully defeat both opponents, there’s a good chance that Lanning will once again make his return to the College Football Playoffs for the third-straight season. But if the team is unable to overcome this brutal stretch, the odds of Oregon making the playoffs will take a significant hit.
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