For the first time in history, the first round of the College Football Playoff visited Eugene.
The Oregon Ducks (13-1, 8-1 Big Ten, fifth seed CFP) defeated the Sun Belt Conference champion James Madison University (12-2, 8-0 SBC, 12th seed CFP) 51-34 for their first-ever meeting in Autzen Stadium on December 20, 2025.
“I think we started off hot. Ultimately, we can be better,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said.
“This wasn't an acceptable performance in the second half…Very disappointed. We got complacent and comfortable,” Oregon defensive coordinator and newly-hired Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi added.
After electing to receive the opening kickoff, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore connected with tight end Jamari Johnson for a leaping 41-yard, one-handed touchdown catch to open scoring, going up 6-0 after a missed two-point conversion.
Following the opening drive, the Ducks' offense would continue to rack up scores on the following four consecutive drives, totalling five straight touchdowns on drives lasting less than five plays. Oregon offensive coordinator and current Kentucky head coach Will Stein proved once again why his offensive scheme is one of the best in the nation. With weapons across the Ducks’ deep roster, opportunities never seem to run out.
“It's like (having) fun toys,” Stien said.
It wasn't just the offense firing on all cylinders; for the first time since 2006, the Ducks' special teams blocked a JMU field goal to start the second quarter. Oregon’s last blocked field goal was a game-saving block against the Oklahoma Sooners to hold off a 34-33 win on September 16, 2006.
“Some moments that really showed up, obviously special teams, blocked kick, and a blocked punt…There were some big plays there,” Lanning said.
After trotting into halftime with a 34-6 lead, the defense, led by Lupoi, allowed JMU to score 24 points in the second half, the most this Oregon defense has given up in a single game all season.
“Very disappointed in our overall finish,” Lupoi said.
JMU ended the game scoring on five out of six redzone drives, totaling 27 points from striking distance. They finished the game with 509 total yards, an average of 6.1 yards per play, with 12 of them going for over 15 yards. The last time Oregon gave up 500 yards: the infamous Rose Bowl game against Ohio State to start the year on January 1st.
JMU’s star running back Wayne Knight rushed for 110 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. Meanwhile, dual-threat quarterback Alonza Barnett III rushed for a touchdown and completed 23-of-48 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Nick DeGennaro threw a 50-yard pass completion on a trick play to start the second quarter for JMU.
JMU won the Sun Belt Championship Game 31-14 over Troy on December 5th. After the Dukes traveled 2,300 miles to Eugene, their fans and supporters followed with them, filling Autzen Stadium with a vibrant sea of purple, as flying streamers soared down after each JMU score.
A frustrated Oregon team will need to make adjustments as it looks forward to its future in the College Football Playoffs. Oregon may have won, but it felt like a loss. Under Lanning, Oregon has never lost back-to-back games; if today is considered a “loss,” Texas Tech has a pissed off Oregon team meeting them in the Orange Bowl in Miami.
Oregon will “go to the doctor on Monday,” as outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti said in his postgame press conference. The somberness of silence filled the locker room after a disappointing second half left a winning Oregon with a bad taste in its mouth.
The Ducks will face Texas Tech, the Big 12 champion, on Jan. 1 at the Orange Bowl.