CBS Sports' best- and worst-case scenarios for the Ducks in 2026
CBS Sports published best- and worst-case scenarios for every ranked team, with Oregon demonstrating a wide range of possible overall season records.
The last two regular seasons for the Oregon Ducks have largely gone according to plan, as the team has a 23-1 record and just a lone loss to the eventual national champion Indiana Hoosiers . Despite the defeat, the Ducks still made up ground, winning several tough November contests to claim the No. 5 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Per CBS Sports' recent article on best- and worst-case scenarios for every top 25 squad, an 11-1 record — while going 8-1 in Big Ten play — is once again considered Oregon's best-case scenario during the 2026 season. "The Ducks should be commended for two of three non-conference matchups coming against Boise State and Oklahoma State, two squads we're expecting to reach bowl eligibility this fall," CBS Sports' Brad Crawford wrote. "The Big Ten opener is in Los Angeles against Lincoln Riley, then there are three contests with ranked opponents in November.
Dante Moore will have another terrific season in this scenario, leading to the program's third straight CFP berth. " For a team with so much talent, it's an interesting choice that one loss would be the best-case scenario rather than an undefeated season, especially with Oregon's No. 4 ranking in CBS Sports' poll.
It's very possible that comes down to the schedule however, as the Ducks will have road tests against Oklahoma State, USC and Ohio State while hosting Michigan and Washington late in the season. It's not an easy road, with one slip-up being predicted by Crawford as the best road. After all, they'd still all but be guaranteed a spot in the CFP if they do so, considering last season's 11-1 record and No.