Oregon’s next trip will come with a far more civilized start time.
The Ducks are headed to Champaign next week to face Illinois in Week 8, and this one won’t require a late-night stay. Oregon and Illinois will kick off at noon PT from Gies Memorial Stadium, with the game airing live on Big Ten Network.
It’s the first time Oregon has played on the road in nearly a month, and the setting will be a big change from the dark backdrop of the Nebraska win. The Ducks and Illini last met in 2024, when Dillon Gabriel powered a 38-9 Oregon win at Autzen Stadium.
Illinois comes into the matchup with a fresh quarterback situation after using its bye week to sort things out. Katin Houser, who started every game for the Illini this season, is dealing with a broken left hand. Michael Clayton II replaced him and helped Illinois beat Michigan State in overtime before the bye, and now the freshman is in line to make his first start against Oregon’s defense.
The Ducks, though, have questions of their own under center. Dylan Raiola delivered in the fourth quarter against Nebraska after Brock Thomas struggled, but the week before against UCLA, that script flipped: Raiola had trouble moving the ball while Thomas nearly sparked the comeback. Dan Lanning said after the game that the two quarterbacks will keep competing in practice this week, and one of them will start again if Dante Moore remains unavailable.
There is one trend Oregon can lean on heading into the trip. Since entering the Big Ten before the 2024 season, the Ducks have not lost a conference road game.
And even with the offense searching for consistency, Illinois may be arriving at the right time for Oregon, especially after the Illini moved on from their defensive coordinator. The matchup comes before the schedule turns tougher for the Ducks.
Oregon and Illinois will play on Oct. 24 at noon PT, or 3 p.m. ET.
In Other News...
Dan Lanning Just Changed Oregons Biggest Nebraska Game Storyline
After a strong showing against USC, Dylan Raiola had a chance to settle in as Oregons quarterback of the moment, but the rhythm did not carry over into the next game against UCLA. The Ducks have now made a change under center, with Dan Lanning opting to go with Brock Thomas for the upcoming matchup against Nebraska. It is a significant turn for an offense that had been trying to build momentum heading into one of the more interesting games on the schedule.
Lanning pointed to Raiolas recent performance and the adjustments Oregon has made on offense as the reasons for the switch, putting the focus on stability rather than sentiment. For Raiola, the timing is especially notable because the Nebraska game had the feel of a personal one, given his connection to the Cornhuskers. Instead, Oregon heads into it with a different quarterback plan and a storyline that looks very different from what it did just a week ago. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon Commit Brayton Feister Is Back On The Field Amid Dispute
Brayton Feister is back on the field at Massillon Washington High School after a ruling from the Fifth District Court of Appeals cleared the Oregon commit and his brother Brydon to continue playing their senior season. The decision overturned an earlier Ohio High School Athletic Association ruling that had declared both brothers ineligible, and it gives them the chance to keep contributing while the legal process plays out.
The Feisters had been sidelined after the OHSAA cited transfer and disciplinary issues, turning their season into as much a courtroom matter as a football one. The appeals court granted a preliminary permanent injunction, and while the association could still pursue further legal action, the immediate effect is straightforward for Oregon: one of its commits is back on the field, and the situation remains unresolved beyond that. [Read more 🡒]
Oregons Trip To Ohio State Suddenly Looks Very Different
Ohio States quarterback picture changed quickly this week when coach Ryan Day said Julian Sayin is expected to be out for several weeks after suffering an injury. The Buckeyes are now likely to turn to freshman Luke Fahey for the upcoming stretch, including the game against Oregon, which adds a new wrinkle to a matchup that already had plenty of intrigue.
Oregons own quarterback situation remains unsettled, with Dante Moore, Brock Thomas or Dylan Raiola all possibilities depending on how things shake out. So instead of a familiar heavyweight showdown between established starters, the Ducks could find themselves preparing for a far less predictable test on both sides of the ball. [Read more 🡒]