The Oregon Ducks are hitting their stride in the 2025 season, fresh off a bye week that gave the team some much-needed rest. With a 2-0 record early on, including solid wins over Montana State and Oklahoma State, followed by a gritty road victory at Northwestern, the Ducks now turn their attention to a packed Big Ten slate. Indeed, the schedule doesn't let up—next up is a home tilt against UCLA on October 11, a game that's already buzzing with conference implications.
Moreover, ESPN's College GameDay is heading to Eugene for Week 7, spotlighting what could be a pivotal matchup for the Ducks' playoff aspirations. The show, which drew massive crowds last month in State College for Oregon's thriller against Penn State, continues its tradition of amplifying top-tier games. However, not everyone's thrilled; some critics point out how the pregame hype can sometimes overshadow the actual play on the field, adding unnecessary pressure to young athletes.
Oregon's full slate remains daunting. After UCLA, they face Ohio State on the road, then host Washington in a renewed rivalry clash. Times are set for 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX for the UCLA game, with tickets already moving fast at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks' defense, led by standout performances so far, will need to step up against UCLA's dynamic offense—something coach Dan Lanning has drilled into his squad during the break.
Yet, as the season progresses, questions linger about depth in the trenches for Oregon. The bye came at a good time, allowing tweaks to the lineup. Still, with national title talk swirling, every week brings heightened scrutiny.
In the end, Week 7 offers Oregon a chance to build momentum—what does this mean for the Ducks' long-term path in a brutal conference?