After coming up just short in 2025, falling to Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinals in the Peach Bowl Jan. 9, the Oregon football team is still on the prowl for its first national title.
The Ducks have had their fair share of chances to win the big one over the last few decades, starting with their first trip to the national championship game in 2010 and another in the first year of the CFP in 2014. Oregon ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard in both, and has struggled over the last decade to win the games late in the year that matter.
Advertisement
But with a new year on the horizon, many think 2026 could be the season the Ducks finally break through.
And why not? The Hoosiers went on to win their first ever title after beating the Ducks, defeating Miami in the national championship game and becoming the first first-time national champion since Florida in 1996.
The Ducks are among the favorites to compete for a national title again after losing to eventual champs Ohio State in 2024 and Indiana in 2025, and return a Heisman Trophy contender in Dante Moore at quarterback for 2026. Just 37 programs have not won a national title, including the Ducks, but many consider 2026 the year Oregon finally gets it done on the big stage.
Count USA Today among that group, listing the Ducks as the top program that could become the next first-time national champion, just ahead of Texas Tech and Baylor. Here’s what they said about Oregon’s chances:
Advertisement
“Oregon has been knocking on the door of a national title starting this century, and even played for all the marbles in 2010 and 2014,” Paul Myerberg wrote. “The Ducks have gone a combined 26-3 since joining the Big Ten, showing their adaptability and staying power, and advanced to the playoff semifinals this season after getting bumped from last year’s quarterfinals. With Dante Moore back for his junior year, Oregon’s time may come as soon as 2026.”
For the rest of the list from USA Today, read here.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Alec Dietz covers University of Oregon football and women’s basketball for The Register-Guard. You may reach him at adietz@registerguard.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Could 2026 be Oregon Ducks time to be first time national champions
