The University of Oregon’s football program entered the 2026 season with a preseason buzz, landing at No. 2 in the US LBM coaches poll, just behind Ohio State.
Coaches across the nation cast six first‑place votes for the Ducks, a testament to the optimism surrounding a squad that finished the previous year at 13‑2 and climbed to fourth in the final rankings.
A schedule that tests the Ducks
Fall camp opens on Wednesday, September 5, with an early scrimmage against Boise State at Autzen Stadium, setting the tone for a schedule that will test the Ducks against conference rivals.
The first conference test arrives on September 26 when Oregon travels to face Southern California, a matchup that could reshape the early‑season rankings.
Ohio State topped the poll with 38 first‑place votes and amassed 1,741 points, while Indiana, the defending College Football Playoff champion, earned 14 first‑place votes and secured the sixth spot.
The preseason poll also lists several Big Ten teams — Southern California at No. 14, Michigan at No. 16, Penn State at No. 17, Washington at No. 19 and Iowa at No. 22.
With 1,637 points, Oregon sits directly behind Ohio State in the poll.