When the Oregon Ducks‘ 2026 schedule was released, there was an immediate reaction that it would be far from a cakewalk. There are intriguing early-season contests coming against the Boise State Broncos and Oklahoma State Cowboys before conference play.
But once Big Ten competition starts, the going gets even tougher — and more intriguing, with On3 listing three separate Ducks game among their top five ranking of best games in the conference this fall. While the top-ranked contest on On3’s list is Ohio State taking on Indiana, Oregon’s matchup against Ohio State comes in at No. 2.
“This could easily be No. 1,” Blaine Craine said. “… It always seems like something crazy happens in this game, and just with these two rosters, this is going to be one of the most elite matchups that you’re going to get when it comes to any Big Ten schedule.”
The last three games between the Ducks and Buckeyes have been must-see TV, with Jeremiah Smith dominating Oregon in the 2024 Rose Bowl while the Ducks came away with thrilling victories during the 2024 and 2021 regular seasons. This contest will be at The Shoe in Columbus, with the Buckeyes looking to defend home field and seek revenge for their 2021 home defeat.
NEW: Top 5 Big Ten Football Games in 2026🔥
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— On3 (@On3) July 14, 2026
Both squads return a strong offensive nucleus, with Dante Moore, Jordon Davison, Dierre Hill Jr., Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore leading the way for the Ducks offense. The Buckeyes have a tremendous Big 3 of Julian Sayin, Bo Jackson and the all-world receiver Smith. You won’t want to miss it.
Next up in the ranking is The Game between Ohio State and Michigan, followed by Oregon’s home date with the Washington Huskies.
The Huskies have been on the cusp of competing for a Big Ten title, and with a relatively light regular season schedule that includes missing Ohio State and Michigan, this matchup at Autzen Stadium very well could be for a trip to Indianapolis for the conference championship game.
A late September game takes the No. 5 spot, and it also could have both Big Ten title and College Football Playoff ramifications between the Ducks and the USC Trojans in Los Angeles. The Ducks have had some memorable performances at the Los Angeles Coliseum, and will be looking to make more against a high-powered Trojans offense.
All things considered, whether you’re a Ducks fan or not, you won’t want to take your eye off of Oregon football this fall. It’s going to be a show.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Three Oregon games featured in On3’s best Big Ten contests
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