The energy in Eugene right now is, frankly, a bit tense. If you’re asking what time is the Oregon ducks game today, you’re probably already aware that the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines are rolling into town with a head of steam that would make a freight train look slow. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and Matthew Knight Arena is about to host one of the most lopsided—yet strangely intriguing—matchups of the Big Ten season so far.
The short answer is that tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. PT (4:00 p.m. ET).
Now, if you're like me, you’ve probably spent the morning double-checking the remote or wondering if the game moved to some obscure streaming app. It hasn't. This one is getting the big-stage treatment on NBC. National broadcast, high stakes, and a Ducks team that is desperately trying to keep their season from spiraling out of control.
What Time is the Oregon Ducks Game Today? Schedule and TV Details
For those who just need the brass tacks to set their DVR or plan their Saturday afternoon around a brewery visit, here is the breakdown:
- Game Time: 1:00 p.m. local time (Pacific) / 4:00 p.m. Eastern.
- Location: Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, Oregon.
- Broadcast Channel: NBC.
- Streaming: Peacock (usually mirrors NBC sports broadcasts) or Fubo.
- Radio: Oregon Sports Network (KUJZ 95.3 FM in Eugene; KRSK 105.1 FM in Portland).
Honestly, the 1:00 p.m. start is a bit of a gift for the West Coast crowd. You can catch the game, see if the Ducks can pull off a miracle, and still have your whole evening ahead of you. Whether that evening involves celebrating an upset or drowning your sorrows in a Voodoo Doughnut is up to the basketball gods.
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Why This Michigan Matchup is Scarier Than it Looks
Let’s be real for a second. Michigan is coming in at 15-1. They’re ranked fourth in the nation and they are playing like they want that No. 1 spot. The Ducks, on the other hand, are sitting at 8-9 overall and a pretty painful 1-5 in Big Ten play.
The oddsmakers aren't exactly being kind, either. Most books have the Ducks as 18.5-point underdogs. That is a massive spread for a home game. Usually, the "Matt Knight Magic" accounts for a few points, but the talent gap this year is hard to ignore. Michigan’s offense is putting up nearly 94 points a game, which is third-best in the entire country.
Oregon is currently on a three-game losing streak. They need Nathan Bittle and Jackson Shelstad to play the games of their lives just to keep this within ten points. Bittle has been a bright spot, averaging over 16 points and nearly 7 rebounds, but he’s going to be banging bodies with Michigan’s Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr. all afternoon.
The Logistics: Getting to Matthew Knight Arena
If you actually have tickets and are heading to the arena, give yourself an extra thirty minutes. Traffic near the University of Oregon campus on game days is always a mess, and with a national NBC crew in town, the footprint for production trucks is going to be even bigger than usual.
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Doors typically open 60 to 90 minutes before the 1:00 p.m. tip. If you’re looking for a pre-game spot, the usual suspects on Franklin Blvd will be packed.
Key Players to Watch
- Jackson Shelstad (Oregon): He’s the engine. When he’s hitting those deep threes, the arena gets loud, and Michigan can get rattled. He’s averaging 15.6 points and nearly 5 assists.
- Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan): He leads the Wolverines in scoring and is basically a walking bucket.
- Kwame Evans Jr. (Oregon): We need "Big Game Kwame" today. His defensive versatility is the only way Oregon slows down Michigan’s transition game.
Beyond Basketball: Other Ducks Action Today
While the men’s basketball game is the "main event" for most people asking what time is the Oregon ducks game today, it’s actually a busy day for the athletic department.
If you’re a tennis fan, the Oregon Men’s Tennis team is hosting Portland at the Student Tennis Center starting at 5:00 p.m. PT. It’s free, it’s indoors, and it’s a great way to catch some live sports if you’re still buzzing from the basketball game.
Also, just for the record, don't get confused by any football news you see floating around. The football Ducks just finished their season in the Peach Bowl a week ago, and the 2026 schedule—which includes a home game against Michigan later this year—is still months away from kicking off. Today is all about the hardwood.
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How to Watch if You Don't Have Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, don’t panic. Since the game is on NBC, you can actually use a cheap over-the-air antenna to watch it for free in high definition. If you’re sticking to the internet, Peacock is your best bet, or a trial of a service like Fubo or YouTube TV.
Pro Tip: If you're using a streaming service, remember there’s often a 30-to-60-second delay compared to the live radio broadcast. If you’re following along on social media or listening to the radio while watching, you’re going to hear the cheers before you see the baskets.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the TV: Make sure your local NBC affiliate is tuned in by 12:55 p.m. PT to catch the intros.
- Monitor the Spread: If you're into sports betting, keep an eye on that 18.5-point line; if it climbs higher, there might be some value in taking the Ducks to at least cover at home.
- Plan Parking: If you’re driving to the arena, aim to be in your spot by 12:15 p.m. to avoid the last-minute rush at the gates.
- Check the Weather: It’s January in Eugene. Expect rain and temps in the low 40s if you're walking from the parking garages to the arena.
The Ducks have their backs against the wall, but that’s often when they play their best at home. Even if the record doesn't look great, 1:00 p.m. at Matthew Knight Arena is still the place to be today.