Oregon has all the talent in the world, but they aren’t national title contenders

Oregon has all the talent in the world, but they aren’t national title contenders

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Oregon has all the talent in the world, but they aren’t national title contenders

College football is an unpredictable sport at times. Some of the big preseason favorites come into the season and dominate, while others get off to unexpected struggles. The Oregon Ducks might be this year’s installment of the latter.

This was supposed to be head coach Dan Lanning’s year. Oregon had gotten closer with each of the past two College Football Playoffs. After losing to Indiana in the semifinals, Dante Moore returning, and another loaded roster, the hype was real.

However, fans and the college football world were quickly reminded that games aren’t won on paper. As talented as Oregon is, the harsh reality is that the Ducks are pretenders.

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That was not an error. They simply aren’t national title contenders. They will probably make the playoffs, but they won’t get any closer than they have before.

NCAA Football: Boise State at Oregon

Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning asks for a video review during the second half in a game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Oregon Ducks’ struggles are too much to ignore

After narrowly escaping Boise State 34-27 at home, Oregon hit the road to take on an Oklahoma State team that was embarrassed in Week 1.

This was the same Oklahoma State team that entered Week 1 as 13.5-point favorites but lost 24-10 to Tulsa. Oregon entered each of these games as a 24.5-point favorite.

Oregon now has a season point differential of -1. This is not the performance of a College Football Playoff contender. This is the performance of an average team.

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It is baffling to see how disappointing Oregon’s season has started. However, thanks to their high preseason ranking, the Ducks will still have a chance to make the College Football Playoff.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning talks to the officials as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos on Sept. 5, 2026, at

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning talks to the officials as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos on Sept. 5, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Oregon could very well turn this season around. The Ducks could go on a hot streak that rivals the 2019 LSU Tigers. Don’t bank on it, though. They’ll face FCS opponent Portland State in Week 3 before entering a much more challenging stretch of their schedule.

Among their future games, Oregon will travel to USC, travel to Illinois, travel to Ohio State, host an unpredictable Michigan team, and conclude the regular season against Washington. After what we have seen through the first two weeks, nothing looks like an easy win for Oregon.

Can Oregon pull it together, or are the Ducks simply what they appear to be?

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