As the College Football Playoff heats up, few teams have entered with as much momentum as the Oregon Ducks. Behind their explosive offense and steady quarterback play, the Ducks have stormed through their inaugural Big 10 season, finishing with a perfect 13-0 record and claiming the conference title with a thrilling 45-37 win over Penn State in the Big 10 Championship. And at the center of it all is quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has been nothing short of spectacular.
On SportsCenter earlier this week, Gabriel was asked about the Ducks’ remarkable run and their ability to win the Big 10 in their first season in the conference. With a calm confidence, Gabriel responded, “We’re just setting the tone for what’s to come.” It’s clear from his words—and from Oregon’s on-field dominance—that the Ducks are not just a flash in the pan, but a serious contender for college football’s ultimate prize: the National Championship.
The Season That Made Oregon a National Contender
Dillon Gabriel has been the catalyst for Oregon’s success, a steady hand who has been incredibly efficient in big games. With 3,558 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, Gabriel finished the season as a Heisman Trophy finalist and has proven to be one of the most effective quarterbacks in the country. His play under pressure has been exemplary, particularly in the Ducks’ biggest matchups of the season.
In Oregon’s season opener against playoff contender Boise State, Gabriel was nearly perfect, completing 18 of 21 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. But it was in their midseason showdown against Ohio State, one of the most important games of the regular season, that Gabriel truly made his mark. He threw for 341 yards, added two touchdowns, and delivered a stunning 97.0 QBR in Oregon’s statement 38-27 victory over the Buckeyes. With that win, the Ducks announced to the college football world that they were a legitimate force in the Big 10.
And in the Big 10 Championship against Penn State, Gabriel was again at his best. He completed 22 of 32 passes for 283 yards and four touchdowns, propelling Oregon to a 45-37 win. His 95.4 QBR in the game reflected just how effectively he controlled the tempo and guided the Ducks to victory. While Gabriel’s play might not always be flashy, his ability to avoid mistakes—he only threw six interceptions all season—has been one of the key factors in Oregon’s success.
Oregon’s Coaching and Culture: Building for the Future
While Gabriel’s individual performance has been stellar, the Ducks’ success this season is also a testament to the broader culture that head coach Dan Lanning has cultivated in Eugene. Lanning, now in his third season at Oregon, has built a program that blends offensive firepower with disciplined, mistake-free football. The result has been a balanced team that can win in multiple ways: from high-scoring shootouts to gritty, physical battles.
In many ways, this season has been a culmination of years of growth for Oregon. The Ducks have been a top 10 team in recent seasons but always fell short in critical moments—whether due to a heartbreaking loss to Washington or an upset loss to Arizona State. Those setbacks, however, have only made Oregon stronger. They’ve toughened up the team and helped mold them into the machine they are today.
Gabriel’s leadership on the field and Lanning’s coaching have come together to create a truly complete team. The Ducks have consistently set the tone in the Big 10 this season, and no one has been able to match their level of execution and discipline.
A National Championship in Sight?
Oregon’s rise to the top has been swift, but it feels earned. In their first year in the Big 10, the Ducks defeated every team in their path, including established powers like Ohio State and Penn State. Now, with an undefeated record, the Ducks are the #1 seed in the College Football Playoff and have a real chance to do what so many great Oregon teams before them could not: win a National Championship.
For years, Oregon’s quest for a title has been defined by close calls and “what-ifs.” From the days of Marcus Mariota and Chip Kelly to the years of Bo Nix and Justin Herbert, the Ducks have always been competitive but just short of that elusive championship. But with Dillon Gabriel leading the charge, this is a team that’s ready to break through. With the College Football Playoff on the horizon, Oregon is poised to make a statement, not just for this season but for the future of the program.
In the words of Gabriel, the Ducks are setting the tone—both in the Big 10 and for the rest of the college football world. This season is not just a blip on the radar; it’s a sign of what’s to come. With Gabriel at the helm and a well-rounded roster around him, Oregon has never been better positioned for a title run. The Ducks are here to stay, and they’re hungry for a National Championship.
