While the Oregon Ducks offense in 2024 was a huge reason for their success in winning the Big Ten title and securing the top seed and a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff, their defense under defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi was no slouch either. In fact, the Ducks finished 16th nationally in fewest points (19.8) and 18th in yards (323.7) allowed.
While that unit saw five players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s still a very solid nucleus on all three levels of the defense. And they’ll have to be ready, as they’re set to face several explosive offenses in the 2025 season.
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As part of our preseason coverage in the month leading up to Oregon’s season-opener against the Montana State Bobcats on August 30, we’re ranking the top offenses that the Ducks will face this coming regular season from 12-1.
Let’s dive into the schedule and see which teams Oregon is going to face that have the most firepower on that side of the ball this season.
12. Montana State Bobcats
Sep 17, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Montana State Bobcats head coach Brent Vigen looks on during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
2024 Stats: 40.8 points per game, 478.8 total yards per game
Analysis: Though the Bobcats were tops in the FCS in scoring a season ago, that’s exactly who they were playing against — FCS opponents. Add in that they’re losing QB Tommy Mellot and don’t have a determined replacement yet, and the expectations are lowered even further. While redshirt sophomore running back Adam Jones is back after a 1,152-yard, 14-touchdown season and claimed the Big Sky Freshman of the Year award, the Montana State offense isn’t likely to be in top form when the Ducks face them to open the season.
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11. Oklahoma State Sooners
Oklahoma State head football coach Mike Gundy speaks during a press conference at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater Okla., on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.
2024 Stats: 25.6 points per game, 376.8 yards per game
Analysis: Oklahoma State’s position this far down the list reflects the poor performance of the offense in 2024, which was disastrous (and far worse than the stats suggest), as well as the significant talent lost from that unit. Just one starter — tight end Josh Ford — returns, as an entirely new cast will be in place. The starting quarterback job will go to a redshirt freshman with both Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny in the running. This offense is full of unknowns. Considering they face Oregon in Week 2, the early kinks won’t be out of this presumably subpar offense, allowing the Ducks to feast on a weak non-conference Power 5 opponent.
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10. Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. (9) is shown during spring football practice Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
2024 Stats: 22.2 points per game, 347.2 yards per game
Analysis: Former offensive coordinator Phil Longo, who installed an Air-Raid system for two seasons, is out and replaced by Jeff Grimes, who will look to bring a more NFL-style offense to Madison. That won’t make up for the talent deficiency, however, as top rusher Tawee Walker and several other starters departed via the transfer portal. Former Maryland passer Billy Edwards Jr. is the quarterback, but he’s been just average as a starter. The ceiling isn’t high for this group, with the floor as low as any team in the Big Ten.
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Nov 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Cam Porter (1) runs the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 16.6 points per game, 269.4 yards per game
Analysis: Yes, the Wildcats trotted out one of the worst offenses in the entire country a season ago. But they dipped into the transfer portal and nabbed former SMU quarterback Preston Stone, who tossed 28 touchdowns in 2023. Griffin Wilde, a former South Dakota State wideout, caught 71 passes for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Both are major upgrades at important offensive positions; at the very least, Northwestern should average over 20 points a game this season.
8. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 27.7 points per game, 374.9 yards per game
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Analysis: Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, although aided by a solid run game headed by the now-departed Kyle Monangai, quietly had a nice 2024 campaign in which he threw 18 touchdowns versus seven interceptions. Entering his third season as a starter, he’s set to take another jump forward. Transfer portal additions in running back CJ Campbell Jr. (844 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns at FAU last year) and wide receiver DT Sheffield (822 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns at North Texas) will also help.
7. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 24.3 points per game, 330.8 yards per game
Analysis: The entire belief of Minnesota being an average to slightly above-average offense comes down to how elite Darius Taylor can be in 2025. Aside from battling injuries, he’s been one of the top under-the-radar running backs in his first two seasons — a true 2026 NFL Draft candidate. If he can stay healthy and navigate some losses amongst the offensive line and a new quarterback in Drake Lindsey, the Golden Gophers’ offense could surprise some people with Taylor as the catalyst.
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6. Iowa Hawkeyes
Dec 30, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Jacob Gill (5) runs through the tackle of Missouri Tigers cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. (2) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 26.7 points per game, 316.3 yards per game
Analysis: The Kirk Ferentz Hawkeyes era has been mired in subpar offenses and atrocious quarterback play. But with former South Dakota State passer Mark Gronowski now set to lead the charge, who was prolific in four seasons with the Jackrabbits, there’s hope in Iowa. He’s had a hand in 130 touchdowns in his career, showing just how dynamic he was at the FCS level. If he can carry over even half of that to the Hawkeyes, they’ll be in good shape as an average FBS offense.
5. Oregon State Beavers
Oregon State’s Maalik Murphy hands the ball off to Jake Reichle during the Oregon State Spring Game at Reser Stadium on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Corvallis, Ore.
2024 Stats: 23.0 points per game, 379.7 yards per game
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Analysis: While the Beavers’ addition of former Texas and Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy has something to do with them edging their way into the top five, it’s also their tough, physical run game. 2024 leading rusher Anthony Hankerson (1,082 yards, 15 touchdowns) is back behind an experienced offensive line. Oregon State also has two promising wide receivers in Trent Walker and Darrius Clemons on the outside, giving them a solid trio of playmakers alongside Murphy.
4. USC Trojans
Dec 27, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (8) carries the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 30.2 points per game, 437.5 yards per game
Analysis: When head coach Lincoln Riley turned the offense over to backup quarterback Jayden Maiava late last season, he and the team found great success. Throwing to a talented duo of wide receivers, Makai Lemon (764 yards, three touchdowns) and Ja’Kobe Lane (525 yards, 12 touchdowns), both of whom should be drafted in 2026, will only help in Maiava’s first season as the Trojans’ starter. He’s a dynamic player who can excel within the system but is a star when playing off schedule, much like Caleb Williams. The USC offense is expected to put up some points in 2025.
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3. Washington Huskies
Washington’s Demond Williams Jr. (2) runs the ball and makes a touchdown during the 91st Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game against Louisville on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.
2024 Stats: 22.4 points per game, 384.2 yards per game
Analysis: Thanks to an extremely talented trio of quarterback Demond Williams Jr., running back Jonah Coleman and wide receiver Denzel Boston, the Huskies were very close to coming in at No. 2. But the unknown on Williams, who started just two games to finish last season but showed immense potential, is too strong to put them any higher than third. The 6-foot-4 Boston is a true go-to receiver who very well could be a first-round pick next year. Coleman is a bruising back, but it all comes down to whether Williams can live up to the hype bestowed upon him.
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2. Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (15) at Indiana University football practice on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
2024 Stats: 38.3 points per game, 403.5 yards per game
Analysis: You simply can’t count out Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti’s offense being one of the top in the nation. They were second in scoring last season, and while they have to replace quarterback Kurtis Rourke, in comes former Cal starter Fernando Mendoza, who’s arguably more talented. The offensive line in front of him will be able to open up holes for former Terrapin running back Roman Hemby. Top receiver Elijah Sarratt, squarely on NFL radars, is back after a 957-yard, eight-touchdown season. The Hoosiers will once again be a top offense in the country.
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1. Penn State Nittany Lions
Apr 26, 2025; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) runs with the ball during the second quarter of the Blue White spring game at Beaver Stadium. The White team defeated the Blue team 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
2024 Stats: 33.1 points per game, 430.2 yards per game
Analysis: The Nittany Lions will be an elite offense thanks to the return of their backfield consisting of quarterback Drew Allar (3,327 passing yards, 24 touchdowns) and running backs Kaytron Allen (1,108 rushing yards, eight touchdowns) and Nicholas Singleton (1,099 yards and 12 touchdowns). They also shored up their receiving corps by bringing in Trebor Pena, who caught 84 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns for Syracuse last season. Add in offensive mastermind Andy Kotelnicki as offensive coordinator and an above-average offensive line, and Penn State will push for the best offense in the Big Ten in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Every offense on Oregon Ducks’ 2025 schedule, ranked by production
