The football rivalry between the University of Oregon and Oregon State University—yeah, the one everyone calls the Civil War—has been a fixture in college sports for more than a hundred years. But recently, they suspended this historic series, and fans from both schools are left stunned and, honestly, pretty bummed.
Let’s take a look at where this all started and how it got here.
The Storied History of the Civil War Rivalry
Oregon and Oregon State first clashed on the football field back in 1894. Since then, that game’s become a huge deal every year, pulling in fans from all corners of the state (and plenty from out of state, too).
It’s not just a football game—it’s a wild celebration of school pride. People look forward to it all year, and the energy is always electric.
The rivalry has produced some unforgettable moments. We’ve seen last-minute wins, huge upsets, and more than a few heartbreaks. They’ve played 124 times, with Oregon holding the edge overall.
For a lot of folks, the Civil War isn’t just a game. It’s a tradition that ties people together and gives everyone a real sense of belonging.
Key Moments in Civil War History
Some games just stand out, even after all these years:
- First Game in 1894: That first matchup set everything in motion. No one could’ve guessed how big it would become.
- The 1933 Game: This one’s still infamous for its controversial finish. People are still arguing about it today.
- 2000 Double Overtime Thriller: Fans barely breathed the whole time. It was pure drama, and both teams left it all on the field.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
Nobody made the call to suspend the Civil War lightly. A bunch of different factors came together, and honestly, it’s complicated.
Logistical Challenges
One big hurdle is just the logistics. With college sports shifting—conference changes, weird schedules—it’s gotten tough to find a good date for the game. On top of that, hosting such a big event isn’t cheap, and the financial side can’t be ignored.
Social Considerations
Another piece of the puzzle: the name. “Civil War” has come under fire lately. Plenty of people think it doesn’t fit with the inclusive values both schools want to show. So, the universities have started looking for new names and maybe even new ways to keep the rivalry going.
The Impact on Fans and Alumni
For fans and alumni, losing this game stings. It’s been something to look forward to for generations, a reason to get together and cheer (or groan) as a community.
Fan Reactions
The reaction? All over the place. Some folks get why it happened, others are frustrated and sad. Social media’s been full of debates and memories, with lots of people just hoping the game comes back soon.
Alumni Perspectives
Alumni feel it, too. Many have stories about going to the game with friends or family—those memories stick. Alumni groups from both schools are trying to keep the rivalry’s spirit alive, even if the game’s on hold.
What the Future Holds
No one’s saying this is the end forever. Both universities want to keep the tradition alive, but it might look a little different going forward.
Exploring Alternatives
There are some options on the table:
- Rebranding the Rivalry: New names and themes are being tossed around, hoping to fit better with today’s values.
- Alternate Formats: Maybe the rivalry expands—other sports, new events, maybe even a whole week of competition.
- Community Engagement: Both schools want to get the community more involved, keeping that rivalry energy alive through different activities.
Looking Ahead
No one really knows what the future holds for the Oregon vs. Oregon State football rivalry. Still, fans show up with so much passion that it’s hard to imagine the spirit of the Civil War fading away anytime soon.
Maybe the game gets a new name or takes on a different form. Either way, this rivalry feels like it’s stitched right into Oregon’s sports culture.
Curious about the history or what’s next? You can read more [here](https://www.oregonlive.com/collegefootball/2025/09/when-was-the-last-pause-in-the-oregon-vs-oregon-state-football-rivalry.html).
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