THE GAME. Columbus. 102,780. Everything on the Line.
Nov 7, 2026 | Ohio Stadium, Columbus | Last: L 21-41 (Rose Bowl)
Nov 7,
Game Day
AWAY
Ohio Stadium
12-2
Ohio State 2025
Low
Confidence
This is it. Ohio Stadium. The Horseshoe. 102,780 fans who remember beating Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl. Oregon is 2-10 all-time against Ohio State. They beat them 32-31 at Autzen in 2024, then got demolished in the rematch. The pattern of Oregon football for 30 years has been getting close and falling short. This game decides whether 2026 is the year that pattern breaks, or whether it is another chapter in the same story. November 7th. In Columbus. Everything.
Key Matchups
Oregon DL vs Ohio State OL
This is the matchup that decides the game. Oregon's defensive front (Washington, Alexander, Tuioti, Uiagalelei) is the best in the country. Ohio State's offensive line will be loaded with future NFL picks. When Oregon won 32-31, the DL made the final stand. When they lost 41-21, the DL got pushed around. Which version shows up in Columbus?
Moore under pressure at 102,780
The biggest road test of Moore's career. Ohio Stadium is the loudest environment in college football. Moore threw 10 INTs last year and 2 of them came in the Peach Bowl under pressure. If he can manage the noise, protect the football, and make the throws when they are there, Oregon can win. If he presses, it is 2024 all over again.
Oregon's run game vs Ohio State front seven
Oregon needs Davison and Hill to control the clock. The 2024 Rose Bowl was a disaster because Oregon could not run the ball and fell behind early. If the run game works, it keeps the defense fresh and takes pressure off Moore. If Ohio State stuffs the run, Oregon is in trouble.
Coaching chess match
Lanning vs Day. Third meeting in three years. Day won the Rose Bowl. Lanning won at Autzen. Both know each other's tendencies now. The adjustments at halftime will be critical. Lanning's staff is new (Mehringer, Hampton). Day's staff has continuity. Edge: Ohio State, but Lanning's game plans have been elite.
The 97-43 deficit
Oregon has been outscored 97-43 in its last two CFP elimination games. The mental hurdle is real. Can this team perform when the lights are brightest? The Peach Bowl pick-six on the opening play is still fresh. Ohio State will try to punch Oregon in the mouth early. How Oregon responds to adversity in the first quarter will tell you everything.
Score Prediction
What to Watch
The first drive. The Peach Bowl started with a pick-six and Oregon never recovered. If Oregon can score on the opening drive in Columbus, the confidence transforms. If they go three-and-out or turn it over, the ghosts of every near-miss come flooding back. Also: fourth quarter. Oregon's two CFP losses were decided by halftime. They need to be in it at the end.
Pre-season analysis. Predictions are for entertainment. Coach: Ryan Day.
Keep Reading
you hear it building...
end of the third quarter...
54,000 on their feet
AUTZEN IS SHAKING
SCO DUCKS
Built by fans who were there.
Weekly Oregon football analysis. Launching 2026 season. Sco Ducks.