Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks represent the University of Oregon in Eugene, competing at the NCAA Division I level. The program fields eighteen varsity teams and officially joined the Big Ten Conference in July 2024 after decades as a member of the Pac-12 and Pac-10 conferences. While the university maintains competitive programs across many sports, its national reputation rests primarily on American football and track and field.

Eugene has earned the nickname "Track Town USA" due to the track team's history of producing Olympic gold medalists and setting world records. This legacy began under legendary coach Bill Bowerman, who co-founded Nike while leading the program. The football squad plays home games at Autzen Stadium, a venue known for its loud atmosphere and distinctive green turf that opened in 1967.

Recent seasons have shown volatility for the football program. Head coach Dan Lanning led the team to a Big Ten Championship in 2024, but the 2026 season brought significant struggles. By late October 2026, the team sat at 3-2 with losses to rivals like UCLA drawing intense scrutiny over offensive strategy and coaching decisions. [edit]

The University of Oregon athletic program began in 1876, though organized intercollegiate football did not start until 1894. For most of the 20th century, the school competed in the Pacific Coast Conference before moving to the Pac-8, then the Pac-10, and finally the Pac-12. In July 2024, the institution officially transitioned to the Big Ten Conference.

The football program reached new heights in the 2010s, appearing in the College Football Playoff National Championship game in both 2014 and 2015. They lost to Florida State in 2014 and Alabama in 2015. The team also claimed the BCS National Championship title in 2010 before losing the subsequent bowl game to Auburn.

Track and field remains a cornerstone of the university's identity. Under Bill Bowerman, the program won multiple NCAA titles and produced athletes who set enduring records. Steve Prefontaine trained in Eugene and is buried near Hayward Field, further cementing the city's status as a global center for distance running. [edit]