We’ve reached the second bye week of the Oregon Ducks’ 2025 season, giving fans a nice breath of fresh air before the final four regular-season games and, hopefully, a deep College Football Playoff run into January.
But while the Ducks won’t suit up this week, that doesn’t mean games this weekend won’t affect them.
Last season, Oregon was undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country at this time. In reality, nothing else mattered around them, as they controlled their own destiny and eventually secured the No. 1 seed in the CFP. But after Week 7’s loss to the Indiana Hoosiers, the Ducks’ seeding in the CFP will be up to the Selection Committee instead of as an emphatic top seed.
Of course, Oregon will have to take care of their final four games — that’s by far the most important aspect here. But assuming that happens, here’s five games in Week 10 that Duck fans should be tuned into, as they could have major implications towards Oregon’s CFP seeding.
Rankings are provided by the USA Today US LBM Coaches Poll.
No. 11 Vanderbilt vs. No. 19 Texas
When: 9:00 a.m. PST
Where: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium | | Austin, TX
TV: ABC
Why it could matter: With just one loss coming to Alabama, Vanderbilt is in a similar situation as the Ducks with four regular-season games left. The issue for Oregon is that the Commodores’ remaining schedule is arguably stronger, meaning that if they win out — against Texas, Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee — they’d likely be seeded higher than the Ducks. A loss here for Vanderbilt would only increase Oregon’s chances of securing home-field advantage in the first round of the playoff.
No. 5 Georgia vs. Florida
When: 12:30 p.m. PST
Where: EverBank Stadium | | Jacksonville, FL
TV: ABC
Why it could matter: Georgia is directly in front of Oregon in the polls, making this a crucial upset that Ducks fans should be rooting for. Florida has what it takes to do it, as they took down Texas and have a talented quarterback in DJ Lagway. With head coach Billy Napier getting fired, interim Billy Gonzalez will likely have an inspired, rejuvenated team wanting to shock the nation. It won’t be easy for the Bulldogs to come away with a win.
No. 8 Ole Miss vs. South Carolina
When: 4:00 p.m. PST
Where: Vault-Hemingway Stadium | | Oxford, MS
TV: ESPN
Why it could matter: Ole Miss is another team in contention for home-field advantage in the first round. Hoping for losses from those teams would only make the Ducks’ path easier, especially for the five seed. South Carolina put a scare in Alabama last week and, like Florida, has what it takes to pull off an upset. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is as talented as they come and could put the Gamecocks on his back for a game. On the other side, Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is extremely fun to watch, making this a must-watch for not only Duck fans, but college football fans, period.
No. 18 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Tennessee
When: 4:30 p.m. PST
Where: Neyland Stadium | | Knoxville, TN
TV: ABC
Why it could matter: Each with two losses, this game is critical for these teams. But regarding the Ducks, the winner is a potential first-round opponent. Worst case scenario, if Oregon loses another regular-season game, they’d also be competing with the winner of this game for one of the final spots in the playoff. Besides, who doesn’t want to watch former Washington State passer John Mateer against a leaky — especially against dual-threat archetypes — Tennessee defense? Count me in.
No. 16 Cincinnati vs. No. 24 Utah
When: 7:15 p.m. PST
Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium | | Salt Lake City, UT
TV: ESPN
Why it could matter: Arguably the most underrated player in the nation right now, quarterback Brendan Sorsby is worth the watch alone if you’re fixing to end your Saturday night with some college football. He’s thrown 20 touchdowns versus just a single interception with 400-plus yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. Add in that Devon Dampier, Utah’s quarterback, is one of the most electric players in all of college football, and this is one you won’t want to miss. Both could be potential first-round opponents for the Ducks.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
