INDIANAPOLIS — In recent years, college football has been defined by constant change, from player movement and conference realignment to NIL and the transfer portal. Amid this upheaval, no program has managed the transitions as effectively as Oregon. While many teams faced challenges, the Ducks have continued to thrive.
Just three days after securing a top-five recruiting class and a week after completing their second-ever perfect regular season, Oregon’s football team claimed the Big Ten Conference title in their first season as members. Despite some tense moments, the Ducks never trailed in a 45-37 win over Penn State before 67,469 fans at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Oregon is now 13-0 for the first time in school history, matching the program record for wins in a single season. They will look to surpass that record on New Year’s Day when they compete in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl, entering as the No. 1 seed after earning a first-round bye as conference champions.
“I’m really proud of our players,” said UO coach Dan Lanning. “They accomplished this… The Big Ten is tough — tonight’s game showed that. It’s a hard league, and to go out there and do what our guys did, I’m really proud.”
Dillon Gabriel completed 22 of 32 passes for 283 yards and threw four touchdowns, marking his first such performance in an Oregon uniform. Tez Johnson had a standout game, catching 11 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown. Kenyon Sadiq scored the first two touchdowns of the game, while Jordan James added two more, including a critical touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave Oregon a two-touchdown lead midway through the period.
Tysheem Johnson led the Oregon defense with nine tackles, and Bryce Boettcher added seven tackles, including one for a loss. Dontae Manning’s interception in the first half set up James’ first rushing touchdown, and Nikko Reed sealed the win with a fourth-quarter interception that all but ended Penn State’s hopes.
“Words can’t explain it,” said Tez Johnson. “It’s something you dream about, and when it happens, being able to check it off your bucket list, you don’t take it for granted.”
Penn State pulled within 38-30 early in the fourth quarter, but on the following drive, Oregon faced a crucial fourth down just past midfield. As they did in November at Wisconsin, Gabriel and Terrance Ferguson connected for a key fourth-down conversion, and two plays later, James scored again to extend the lead to 45-30.
Penn State methodically drove down the field to score, narrowing the gap to 45-37, and Oregon was forced to go three-and-out on its next possession. This gave the Nittany Lions a chance to drive for a game-tying score. However, on second-and-one after the 2-minute timeout, they attempted a deep pass, only for Nikko Reed to make a spectacular over-the-shoulder interception, effectively ending Penn State’s hopes.
“I gave up a touchdown the drive before that,” Reed said. “Everybody was saying, ‘We need a stop, we need a turnover.’ When I was looking up, I was surprised, but I was ready for it. Big-time players make big-time plays, and that’s what happened.”
The first half saw two shifts in momentum, each favoring a different team. Oregon opened the game with a touchdown on its first drive, with Kenyon Sadiq hurdling a defender on his way to the end zone. The Ducks’ defense then held Penn State to a field goal, and Oregon responded with another touchdown, this time on a reception by Sadiq.
“As you step back and look at moments we’ve had this season, big-time players have made big-time plays in these moments,” Gabriel said. “I love that part about it.”
Penn State scored a touchdown late in the first quarter, but Dontae Manning’s interception, followed by Jordan James’ first rushing touchdown, gave Oregon a 28-10 lead early in the second. At that point, the game seemed to be turning into an unexpectedly one-sided championship matchup. However, Penn State regained momentum and closed the gap to 31-24 by halftime.
“The belief in our team throughout the game never wavered,” said coach Dan Lanning. “We have a bunch of guys who love each other and worked their tails off tonight to come out on the right side of victory.”
Penn State opened the second half with a drive into the high red zone, but Oregon’s defense forced a field-goal attempt, which missed. Five plays later, Jordan James had a signature moment, breaking free for a 48-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 38-24. That would be the only score of the third quarter.
The Nittany Lions scored again early in the fourth and attempted a two-point conversion, but failed, keeping the score at 38-30. Oregon answered with a key drive that included a clutch fourth-down conversion from Terrance Ferguson, and James added another touchdown to make it 45-30.
“You dream of these moments and want to be in them,” said Dillon Gabriel. “I just want to take full advantage of it, especially when you get to work with these guys and see how much time and effort everyone puts into this thing.”
Despite some tense moments, when Nikko Reed made his interception, it was clear that Oregon was on its way to victory. Moments later, the Ducks were on stage, receiving the Big Ten Championship trophy, with confetti falling all around them.
With the expanded playoff format, there’s still plenty to play for this season, but the Ducks are champions—Saturday and forever.
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