So, the dust has finally settled on that brutal Peach Bowl loss to Indiana. Honestly, seeing the score 56-22 flashed on the screen in Atlanta was a tough pill for anyone in Eugene to swallow, especially after the high of shutting out Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl just a week earlier. But that’s the thing about college football—the second one season ends, everyone starts obsessing over the next one. If you’re looking for the Oregon Ducks next football game, you’ve got a bit of a wait, but the matchup is already circling on the calendar: September 5, 2026, against Boise State at Autzen Stadium.
This isn't just another non-conference cupcake game to open the year. There’s history here, and frankly, a lot of transition happening behind the scenes right now that makes this opener feel way more pivotal than your average Week 1.
The Post-Playoff Reset in Eugene
Coach Dan Lanning isn't wasting any time. Just days after the playoff run ended, he made some massive moves to the coaching staff. With Will Stein heading to Kentucky and Tosh Lupoi taking the head gig at Cal, Lanning decided to keep things in-house. He promoted Drew Mehringer to offensive coordinator and Chris Hampton to defensive coordinator.
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It's a "continuity over overhaul" strategy. Mehringer has been with Lanning since day one in Eugene, and Hampton has been a huge part of why the Ducks' secondary became so feared over the last few seasons. You've gotta wonder if this internal promotion style will help the team avoid the "Year 1" jitters usually associated with new coordinators.
The Quarterback Carousel
The biggest question mark for the Oregon Ducks next football game is who's actually going to be taking the snaps. Dante Moore had a phenomenal 2025 season—90% completion against Minnesota is still a stat that doesn't feel real—but those four interceptions during the playoff run left a bit of a sour taste for some fans.
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With Moore officially declaring for the NFL Draft on January 14, all eyes have shifted to the transfer portal. Enter Dylan Raiola. The former Nebraska starter committed to Oregon just this week. He was putting up huge numbers before a fibula injury sidelined him last year, and now he’s the projected starter for the Boise State game. Watching how Mehringer tailors the offense to Raiola’s arm vs. Moore’s style is going to be the main storyline all spring.
Why Boise State is a Scary Opener
Oregon fans remember the history with the Broncos. It’s never "just a game" when Boise State comes to town.
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- The Rivalry Aspect: Boise State has historically given Oregon fits, and they’re coming into 2026 with a lot of momentum.
- The Autzen Factor: It'll be a "Wear Green" game, and the atmosphere will be electric, but opening against a high-caliber Mountain West (or potentially rebuilt Pac-12) opponent is risky.
- New Look Roster: We're losing some serious seniors. Between the draft departures and the portal movement—like losing a former 4-star QB to the portal just yesterday—the depth chart is basically a whiteboard with a lot of eraser marks right now.
What to Watch for During the Offseason
Before we get to September, we’ve got the Spring Game. We don’t have an official date yet, but it usually lands in late April. That’ll be the first real look at Raiola in the green and yellow.
If you're planning on going to the Oregon Ducks next football game, season ticket deposits are already open as of February 13. The 2026 home slate is actually pretty legendary. We’re talking about Michigan, Nebraska, and Washington all coming to Autzen.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Portal Closely: The window officially closes today, January 16. Watch for any last-minute defensive line additions; Lanning usually likes to grab one more "big human" before the deadline.
- Monitor Raiola’s Recovery: He’s expected to be 100% for spring practice, but any setbacks would mean looking at Austin Novosad or Akili Smith Jr. much more seriously.
- Key Dates: Circle the first week of September. If you're traveling from out of town, Eugene hotels usually book up for the Boise State game by March.
The 13-2 run in 2025 was a hell of a ride, even if it ended with a thud in Atlanta. But with a new QB, new coordinators, and a chip on their shoulder from that Indiana blowout, the Ducks are basically starting from scratch. September can't get here soon enough.