Ohio State vs. Oregon: 2026 game preview and prediction

Ohio State prepares for their first game at Ohio Stadium in nearly a month when they face the Oregon Ducks on Saturday. After a 30-18 loss to USC last week, the Buckeyes will aim to improve their home record against Oregon, which stands at 10-2 all-time. In their last meeting, the Ducks won 32-31 in Eugene in 2024, while Ohio State claimed a 41-21 victory in the Rose Bowl earlier that season.

The upcoming game will mark the first conference matchup between the two programs since 2021, when Oregon won 35-28 in Columbus. Ohio State's quarterback situation is uncertain, as freshman Luke Fahey becomes only the fifth true freshman in school history to start at quarterback for the team this season. Despite the loss last week, Day has confirmed Fahey will start again this week when Ohio State returns home to take on Oregon.

Running back Isaiah West has been impressive, recording a season-high 65 yards on the ground against USC. Receivers Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr. have also been key contributors for the offense, with Smith aiming to break the Big Ten career receiving yardage record. The defense will need to bounce back after being gashed by the Trojan defense last week, facing numerous penalties that hindered the offense.