Fresh off a confidence-building win over Northwestern last weekend, the Oregon football team will look to knock off its second ranked team in as many weeks against Ohio State Nov. 7 in Columbus.
The Ducks (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten Conference) and Buckeyes (6-2, 4-1) both entered the season ranked in the top five in the major polls but find themselves scrapping to get their seasons back on track at Ohio Stadium this weekend.
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“Coach (Ryan) Day does an unbelievable job,” coach Dan Lanning said. “It’s a really well-coached team. They’ve got good personnel in all phases. They really show up, so it’ll be a real challenge for us, but one that we’re certainly excited about.”
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Oregon vs. Ohio State scouting report
Why Oregon has an advantage: Before Ohio State QB Julian Sayin went out with an injury, the Buckeyes had one of the best passing attacks in college football. Though freshman Luke Fahey has operated as the starter during Ohio State’s bye week and loss to USC last week, OSU is still adjusting to life without its starting signal-caller. That’s a huge advantage for an Oregon team that has settled in on its starter moving forward in Dylan Raiola and seemed to find its identity on offense in a win versus Northwestern.
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Why Ohio State has an advantage: No one has had an answer for Ohio State superstar and future NFL top-10 pick Jeremiah Smith. The junior has 62 catches for 1,067 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight games and is already the Big Ten’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions in less than three seasons of play. Stopping Smith will be a massive challenge for the Ducks, who have shown to be susceptible against the passing game at points this season.
Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore, left, outruns Northwestern defensive back Ore Adeyi after a catch for a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the Northwestern Wildcats on Oct. 31, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon vs. Ohio State injury updates
Note: Official availability reports, mandated by the Big Ten, are released every day starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday leading up to kickoff. This story was published before the reports were made public.
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For Oregon: Several key Oregon contributors could return this week, though Lanning wouldn’t talk about the specific status of any player during his Monday press conference and deferred to the Ducks’ upcoming availability reports. Starting running back Jordon Davison was hobbled in the first half against Northwestern and was seen with crutches on the sideline in the second half, though Lanning said he didn’t expect the injury to be long-term.
For Ohio State: The biggest injury news for the Buckeyes revolves around Sayin, who is out for the foreseeable future since an injury versus Indiana in mid-October. Ohio State was also without standout freshman DB Jay Timmons and talented wideout Brandon Inniss vs. USC. Inniss was a game-time decision and participated in early warmups but did not play against the Trojans.
Oregon outside linebacker Nasir Wyatt, left, brings down Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles as the Oregon Ducks host the Northwestern Wildcats on Oct. 31, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon vs. Ohio State: 4 bold predictions
Oregon, Ohio State first half will be a defensive battle
The Ducks rediscovered a bit of their old selves in a 38-point outing against a stout Northwestern defense last week, but the challenge will be greater this week, and the Ducks have yet to put together back-to-back good performances against good competition this season. That needs to change Saturday, but both teams, adjusting to new schemes and personnel, will get off to a slow start in Columbus this weekend.
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Ducks will hold Buckeyes’ Jeremiah Smith under 100 yards
Oregon has a good history of limiting opposing stars, though sometimes to a fault. Last season against future NFL draftee Makai Lemon and USC, the star had just 34 yards on seven catches in an Oregon win. But, that left Tanook Hines with the opportunity to cash in on the attention Lemon received. Lanning and his staff will have Smith circled everywhere, and they’ll hold Smith under 100 yards, but Ohio State will still get production from other talents.
Ohio State, Oregon game will come to down to field position, turnovers
As most games do, Saturday’s contest will come down to who commits more mistakes and who takes advantage of good field position. On the former front, Oregon has struggled mightily with protecting the ball. The Ducks have given the ball away 13 times this season, including 10 fumbles, while Ohio State has protected the ball slightly better but produces less turnovers on defense. Oregon punter Bailey Ettridge has been a massive weapon throughout the season, and if he can continually pin the Buckeyes deep, Oregon will have a good chance to spring the upset.
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Oregon football vs. Ohio State score prediction
Oregon 23, Ohio State 17
Alec Dietz covers University of Oregon football and women’s basketball for The Register-Guard. You may reach him at adietz@registerguard.com.
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This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Four bold predictions as Oregon football takes on Ohio State
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