The Oregon Ducks stormed into their 2025 college football season with a dominant 59-13 win over Montana State. Now, with Oklahoma State coming to Autzen Stadium, ESPN’s Greg McElroy has slotted the Ducks inside his top five in the latest top-25 rankings.
This ranking follows a week where teams across the country showed what they’ve got. Oregon, led by quarterback Dante Moore, rolled out a versatile offense—six different players scored touchdowns. True freshman running back Jordon Davison especially turned heads.
McElroy’s rankings reflect Oregon’s strong start as they brace for a pretty serious test against Oklahoma State.
Oregon Ducks’ Impressive Start to the Season
The Ducks’ opener was, frankly, a show of force. They hammered Montana State, flexing both offensive depth and a defense that looked locked in.
Dante Moore took charge at quarterback, but it wasn’t a one-man show. Six different Ducks found the end zone. Jordon Davison, a true freshman, made a splash with three rushing touchdowns—pretty wild for a first game.
Key Performances in Week 1
Some players just stood out:
- Dante Moore: The quarterback looked poised, leading a well-balanced attack.
- Jordon Davison: Three rushing touchdowns for a true freshman? That’s not something you see every day.
- Defensive Unit: Oregon’s defense kept Montana State to just 13 points, which says a lot about their focus early in the season.
Greg McElroy’s Top-25 Rankings
Greg McElroy, ESPN’s college football analyst, just dropped his updated top-25 after week one. He’s got Oregon at No. 5, which feels about right after that opener.
There are three Big Ten teams in his top five: Ohio State at No. 1, Penn State at No. 3, and Oregon at No. 5. The SEC gets two spots—LSU at No. 2 and Georgia at No. 4.
Comparison with AP Top 25
McElroy’s list shakes things up compared to the AP Top 25. For example, he has USC at No. 17, while the AP Poll left them out entirely.
Oregon is ranked higher than Notre Dame and Texas in his poll, even though those teams lost close games in week one. That says something about how much faith McElroy has in Oregon’s upside this year.
Upcoming Challenges for the Ducks
The Ducks’ schedule isn’t exactly a walk in the park. They’re set to face three ranked teams this season, if McElroy’s rankings are any indication.
The biggest test? An away game at Penn State, currently No. 3. Later, Oregon gets Illinois and USC at home, and neither matchup feels like a gimme.
Key Games to Watch
Here are a few games that could define Oregon’s year:
- At Penn State: Taking on the No. 3 team on the road—yeah, that’s a big one.
- Vs. Illinois: Illinois comes to Autzen as a ranked squad, so that’s another one to circle.
- Vs. USC: USC might be unranked in the AP Poll, but McElroy thinks they’re No. 17. Either way, it’s a heavyweight matchup.
Implications for the College Football Playoff
The CFP rankings aren’t out yet, but McElroy’s top-25 gives us a sneak peek at how the committee might view Oregon.
The Ducks have a strong start and a schedule loaded with ranked teams. If they can keep this up, a playoff spot is definitely within reach.
Path to the Playoff
Oregon’s playoff hopes hinge on staying sharp and winning the big ones. They’ll need to keep their top-five spot and come out on top against ranked opponents.
A Promising Season Ahead
The Oregon Ducks kicked off the 2025 season with an impressive week one showing. Their offense looked balanced, and the defense showed real grit.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy gave them a favorable ranking, which doesn’t hurt. They’re gearing up for a big game against Oklahoma State soon, and honestly, fans have every reason to be excited.
The road to the College Football Playoff is never easy. Still, with this much talent and determination, Oregon could be in for a season to remember.
If you want more updates or a deeper dive into the Ducks’ season, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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