Oregon · Big TenOregon carries four-game streak into USC test
The 2-1 Ducks visit undefeated USC on Sept. 26, putting Josh Pate’s preseason playoff call under pressure.
SEP 24, 2026
Oregon's road record against USC
USC's record entering the game
Oregon's current winning streak against USC
01 · The NewsOregon Carries Streak Into USC Test
On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2-1 Oregon visits undefeated USC carrying four straight wins in the rivalry into the Ducks’ first major test of the season — and a direct test of Josh Pate’s preseason playoff bracket, which placed Oregon No. 6.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Monday the game carries a different weight.
“It’s certainly not just another game,” Lanning said.
The road history gives USC a counterargument. Oregon is 9-24-1 against the Trojans on the road, though the Ducks have won their last two games in Los Angeles. Oregon won 36-27 in 2023 and 42-27 in 2025, with the latter game offering the clearest matchup clues for Saturday.
Dante Moore and Jayden Maiava, the quarterbacks in the 2025 meeting, both return. Their starting status for Sept. 26 has not been confirmed. Moore threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns with an interception in that game.
Oregon’s separation came on the ground and in the kicking game. Noah Whittington ran for 104 yards and a touchdown, while Malik Benson turned a punt return into a touchdown. The rematch will test whether Oregon can create that kind of advantage again instead of relying solely on its passing game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at USC. Oregon’s playoff case has to survive its first major test on the road.
02 · The StakesWhat This Tests
USC is 4-0, and its 38-24-2 advantage remains the larger historical mark. Oregon has changed the recent balance, going 11-6 against the Trojans since 2000 and 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. A win would strengthen the Ducks’ playoff path and extend their control of the rivalry. A loss would put Oregon’s postseason expectations under immediate pressure.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
The preseason disagreement around Oregon is the layer beneath the rivalry streak. Josh Pate’s bracket put the Ducks No. 6, while the AP poll had them No. 20 and the coaches had them No. 16; USC opened No. 12 in both polls. Oregon’s 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State on Sept. 12 strengthened the skeptical case, while USC reached 4-0. Sept. 26 can validate Pate’s projection or move Oregon closer to its poll position. The schedules then split: Oregon has no Oct. 3 game before UCLA on Oct. 10, while USC faces Washington on Oct. 3 and Penn State on Oct. 10.
04 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered
Which returning quarterback starts for each team on Sept. 26?
Neither program has confirmed its starter. Dante Moore threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns with an interception in Oregon’s 42-27 win in 2025, while Jayden Maiava surpassed 300 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. A game-week depth chart or the opening offensive snaps will establish who gets the rematch and which offense carries continuity from that meeting.
05 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Oregon win the ground-and-kicking battle again?
The tell is whether the Ducks create the kind of advantage they had in 2025, when Noah Whittington ran for 104 yards and a touchdown and Malik Benson returned a punt for a touchdown.
Who starts at quarterback?
Dante Moore and Jayden Maiava both return from the 2025 meeting, but their starting status for Sept. 26 has not been confirmed.