Oregon State Beavers at No. 6 Oregon Ducks: A Rivalry Preview

The Oregon-Oregon State football rivalry, one of the most storied in college football, will be renewed this Saturday when the No. 6 Ducks host the Beavers at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. This matchup marks the 129th meeting between the two programs, though the series faces an uncertain future.

With Oregon heavily favored by 35.5 points, one of the largest spreads in series history, the Ducks are looking to continue their dominance while the Beavers hope to spring a massive upset.

Game Details

Matchup: No. 6 Oregon (3–0) vs. Oregon State (0–3)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 20
Time: 12 p.m. PT
Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene
TV: Big Ten Network
Streaming options: Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial), or Sling (season pass $199). Availability may vary outside the Pacific Northwest.

Series History

Overall record: Oregon leads 69–49–10
Streaks: Ducks have won the last two meetings overall and the last eight played in Eugene.
Last game: Oregon defeated Oregon State 49–14 in Corvallis in 2024.
Historic highlight: Pat Johnson’s 199 receiving yards in 1997 remain the single-game record in the rivalry.

Though long known as the Civil War, the rivalry has been reshaped in recent years. With Oregon moving forward in the Big Ten and no agreement yet for future nonconference scheduling, the 2026 matchup is highly uncertain.

Key Players to Watch

Oregon Ducks

QB Dante Moore: A rising star, Moore has been highly efficient with 50 completions on 64 attempts for 657 yards, 7 touchdowns, and only one interception. He’s also added mobility, rushing for 34 yards. His first-ever appearance for Oregon came against Oregon State last year.
RB Noah Whittington: A playmaker in the backfield, Whittington has racked up 159 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 14 carries.
WR Dakorien Moore: With 9 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown, he gives Moore a reliable downfield option.
LB Bryce Boettcher: Leading the defense with 17 tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup, Boettcher anchors a unit that has allowed just five passes of 20+ yards all season.

Oregon State Beavers

QB Maalik Murphy: While productive with 896 passing yards and 6 touchdowns, Murphy has struggled with turnovers, throwing 5 interceptions. He’s also contributed a rushing score but has negative yardage on the ground.
RB Anthony Hankerson: A steady workhorse with 51 carries for 190 yards and 1 touchdown, Hankerson will be key in trying to control the tempo.
WR Trent Walker: The Beavers’ top receiver has pulled in 23 catches for 302 yards, giving Oregon State a big-play threat.
LB Dexter Foster: With 25 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, Foster leads the Beavers’ defense and will need a big day to slow Oregon’s high-powered offense.

Did You Know?

Oregon State has posted five straight games with a 100-yard receiver, its longest streak since 2004–05.
The Beavers’ 17 completions of 20+ yards rank tied for 17th nationally.
Oregon’s defense, however, has allowed just five such plays, tied for 22nd in the country.

What to Expect

Oregon enters with momentum, balance, and depth, while Oregon State is still searching for its first win of 2025. The Ducks’ explosive offense and stingy defense make them heavy favorites, especially at home where they have dominated the rivalry in recent years.

Still, rivalry games often defy expectations, and Oregon State will look to capitalize on big plays to stay competitive.

Early Prediction

Oregon 56, Oregon State 14

The Ducks’ offensive firepower, combined with their defensive discipline, is likely to overwhelm a struggling Beavers squad. Unless Oregon State can slow the pace and avoid turnovers, this year’s installment of the rivalry could follow the lopsided trend oddsmakers expect.