The town of Medford in southwestern Oregon close to the northern California border is thought for wine and pears. With 90,000 residents, it’s a homey vacation spot that’s not too overwhelming, and there are fascinating issues to do in Medford for everybody. There’s loads of historical past to soak up from historic buildings and museums.
Bushes line the streets, and pure magnificence awaits simply exterior of city. There are additionally a number of alternatives close to Medford for thrill-seekers to seek out an adrenaline rush. The Craterian Theater, Southern Oregon Speedway, and Prescott Peak are just some of the well-known locations in and round Medford. Regardless of your pursuits, there’s one thing within the space for you. These are the perfect issues to do in Medford.
Medford, Oregon
Prime 3 Excursions
Rogue Valley Speedy Run – A half-day journey appropriate for start
20 Issues To Do In Medford
On the lookout for issues to do in Medford, Oregon? Listed here are 20 to tick off your listing.
1- Watch A Present At Craterian Theater
The Craterian Theater within the Collier Heart for the Performing Arts is a vibrant theatre cherished by the Medford group.
It first opened in 1924 and has nice sight strains and acoustics.
Named after Crater Lake, the venue hosts performances, workshops, courses, conferences and events.
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Examples of occasions and exhibits embrace Japanese drummers, a gospel choir, a tango efficiency and Irish Christmas dancing.
The Craterian Theater is at 23 S Central Ave, Medford, OR 97501.
2- Take In The Views At Prescott Park
Prescott Park covers an enormous space of 1,740 acres (704 ha) of land, making it the second-largest municipal park in Oregon.
Because the park’s main vacation spot is the lofty Roxy Ann Peak, it gives gorgeous panoramic views of the encompassing mountains and the Rogue Valley.
The park incorporates a path system splendid for hikers, runners and mountain bikers, with 6.3 miles (10.1 km) of trails and roughly 1000 ft (305 m) of elevation.
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If you’re trying out the views from Prescott Park, maintain an eye fixed out for cougars, bears, and rattlesnakes, which have been noticed within the space.
Prescott Park is at 3030 Roxy Ann Rd, Medford, OR 97504.
3- Go to The Memorial At Don Jones Memorial Park
The Don Jones Memorial Park, only a fast 13-minute drive from Medford, contains one thing particular past its typical park options.
The park encompasses strolling paths, a sports activities subject, tennis courts, basketball courts, a child’s playground, and a water spray park.
The primary function is the Oregon Fallen Struggle Heroes Memorial, which honours Oregon residents misplaced to a number of wars since 1859.
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These wars embrace the Iraq Struggle, Operation Desert Storm, the Vietnam Struggle, the Korean Struggle, each World Wars, the Spanish American Struggle and the Civil Struggle.
Don Jones Memorial Park is at 223 W Vilas Rd, Central Level, OR 97502.
4- Verify Out Fossils At The Crater Rock Museum
Visiting a museum is likely one of the issues to do in Medford Oregon.
One of many most interesting geological museums on the West Coast, the Crater Rock Museum is on a mission to encourage and educate the general public about earth sciences, mineralogy, geology, palaeontology and pure historical past.
Since its institution in 1954, the museum has grown to cowl 12,000 sq. ft (1,115 m) of land and features a present store, a workshop space, and loads of displays.
These displays function minerals, fossils, petrified wooden, rocks, seashells and Native American artefacts.
Particular displays embrace the fluorescent mineral show, the Scrimshaw assortment, and fossil fish from the Inexperienced River Formation.
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The Crater Rock Museum is at 2002 Scenic Ave, Central Level, OR 97502.
5- Go Whitewater Rafting On The Rogue River
The Rogue River within the southwestern a part of the U.S. state of Oregon flows from the Cascade Vary to the Pacific Ocean.
The Rogue River is likely one of the longest rivers in Oregon, operating from the Cascade Mountains for 215 miles (346 km) to the Pacific Ocean.
It winds by rugged pure surroundings, making it a wonderful river for kayaking or whitewater rafting.
It gives spectacular alternatives to view wildlife, together with golden eagles, herons, salmon, river otters, newts, and bears, amongst different creatures.
There are many campsites alongside the river, so you possibly can take a multi-day rafting journey to soak within the magnificence and wildlife.
The wildest part of the river is the 33.8-mile part between Grave Creek and Watson Creek, which encompasses class III and IV rapids.
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There are calmer sections with class I and II rapids, just like the part between Applegate River and Grave Creek, closest to Medford.
A number of rafting corporations in and round Medford can present tools and skilled guides to your journey.
6- Fish At Diamond Lake
Mount Bailey considered from Diamond Lake’s south shore in Oregon. When visiting Medford, one of many issues to do is to go fishing.
Going to Diamond Lake is a calming option to spend a whole day.
Situated 84 miles (135 km) from Medford, the lake is roughly an hour and 40 minutes drive away, nevertheless it’s definitely worth the drive.
Often known as “The Gem of the Cascades”, Diamond Lake gives the perfect trout fishing within the state.
Fishing is open year-round, and every season has one thing to supply.
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Through the summer season, you possibly can fish for the stocked rainbow trout which can be fats from summertime bug hatches.
Autumn gives a peaceable fishing setting because the vacationer season has slowed.
Through the winter, you possibly can go ice fishing, and the spring months provide among the greatest fishing simply when the ice begins to soften.
If you’ve completed fishing, seize a chew on the Diamond Lake Resort lodge or hike by the lake’s forest.
To get to Diamond Lake from Medford, head northwest towards Crater Lake. You may entry Diamond Lake from W Diamond Lake Hwy or Hwy 138.
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7- Go to The Medford Railroad Park
Improvement for the distinctive Medford Railroad Park started in 1979 and has continued to draw consideration.
The park has a number of miniature trains, scenes, and rocky cliffs.
Take a look at full-sized prepare vehicles, a caboose, a working telegraph system, a locomotive and a hopper automotive.
Guests may even experience a small built-to-scale prepare between April and October (on the second and fourth Sunday) for a small donation to the park.
The Medford Railroad Park is at 799 Berrydale Ave, Medford, OR 97501.
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8- Go To The Applegate River Lavender Farm
Applegate River Lavender Farm, situated within the close by metropolis of Jacksonville, is only a 25-minute drive from downtown Medford.
The farm opens in June yearly with an enormous subject of lavender, the place guests can decide their very own lavender to take residence.
You may hear the hum of bumblebees as you enterprise into the comfortable purple flowers and the luxurious grass.
Past the sphere, the farm additionally sells its personal merchandise.
From lemonade to brownies to physique butter, Applegate River Lavender Farm has loads of tasty treats and merchandise with a lavender twist.
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You can even register for a category to discover ways to develop lavender, craft lavender wreaths, or distil lavender important oils.
Applegate River Lavender Farm is at 375 Hamilton Rd, Jacksonville, OR 97530.
9- Golf At Centennial Golf Membership
Taking part in golf is likely one of the prime issues to do in Medford Oregon.
Sitting within the coronary heart of the Rogue Valley, the Centennial Golf Membership has a spectacular structure for golfers of all ranges.
The structure that performs to a par of 72 was designed by John Fought, a two-time PGA Tour winner.
The golf course, situated on what was beforehand a historic pear orchard, covers 92 acres (37 ha) of tough areas and 85 acres (34 ha) of the green.
73 bunkers and 4 lakes come into play, amongst different hazards.
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There’s additionally a clubhouse, together with a grill, a golf store, and a lined patio with rose bushes and pure stone.
Centennial Golf Membership is at 1900 N Phoenix Rd, Medford, OR 97504.
10- Watch Racecars At Southern Oregon Speedway
The Jackson County Sports activities Park features a taking pictures vary, a go-kart observe, a drag strip, and the Southern Oregon Speedway.
The race observe consists of 1,980 ft (604 m) of banked filth observe that fits all types of vehicles.
Each week, there are races for dwarf vehicles, tremendous late fashions, sprints, IMCA sport-modified vehicles, and extra.
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The speedway has open seating and sells loads of tasty meals for spectators.
There may be additionally tenting obtainable for visiting followers.
The Southern Oregon Speedway is at 6900 Kershaw Rd, Central Level, OR 97502.
11- Hike At TouVelle State Recreation Web site
The TouVelle Recreation Web site is on the base of the well-known Desk Rock, alongside the banks of the Rogue River.
Poplar and oak timber partially cowl the 51 acres (20.6 ha) of land, which provide loads of alternatives for the entire household.
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Guests can fish, go birding, cycle, swim, picnic and hike.
The mountain climbing path is simply over two miles (3.2 km) and is comparatively simple, with an elevation acquire of roughly 50 ft (15.2 m).
Though the hike could be simple, it gives beautiful views of Southern Oregon’s landscapes.
Hikers can spot turkeys, deer, woodpeckers and extra amidst the willow, black oaks and alder timber that hug the path.
You’ll catch a lovely view of the Higher Desk Rock alongside the path and cross by a small grassy meadow good for a picnic.
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The state park does have a day-use payment.
The TouVelle State Recreation Web site is at 8601 Desk Rock Rd, Central Level, OR 97502.
12- Zipline At Rogue Valley Zipline Journey
Ziplining is an thrilling journey exercise to do close to Medford.
Rogue Valley Zipline Journey is for you if you happen to’re in for a thrill. However the firm’s basic tour gives extra than simply ziplining, although.
After taking a shuttle experience, you’ll be guided by a duplicate gold mining city, take 5 completely different zip strains and benefit from the hanging views.
You’ll end with an particularly thrilling sixth zipline, making certain that you just go away pumping with adrenaline.
Rogue Valley Zipline Journey additionally gives its seasonal Zip, Dip, & Sip Tour, which incorporates rafting, lunch, and wine tasting along with ziplining.
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Whichever tour you select, be sure to order a spot upfront.
Rogue Valley Zipline Journey shuttles friends from the Laurel Hill Golf Course car parking zone at 9450 Outdated Stage Rd, Central Level, OR 97502.
13- Picnic At Village Heart Park
The comparatively new Village Heart Park covers 3.2 acres (1.3 ha) of tranquil neighbourhood in southwest Medford.
The family-friendly park contains playground tools, strolling paths, pickleball courts, and a basketball half-court.
Village Heart Park can also be splendid for picnics.
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With picnic tables beneath a shelter, it makes for an excellent place to loosen up and eat after a time out, taking part in video games within the solar.
Village Heart Park is at 3950 Shamrock Dr, Medford, OR 97504.
14- Go to Ti’lomikh Falls
Only a 20-minute drive northwest of Medford is Ti’lomikh Falls, which isn’t a standard waterfall however a wild speedy on the Rogue River.
If you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll spot some kayakers or whitewater rafters taking over the problem, which is a present in itself.
There are many spots alongside the river to absorb views of the river and a paved path.
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This land is traditionally necessary to the native Takelma tribe, and annual ceremonies nonetheless happen within the space.
Ti’lomikh Falls is off Hwy 234, simply north of Gold Hill Sports activities Park. You can even hike to Ti’lomikh Falls through the two.7-mile (4.3) out-and-back Gold Hill Bicycle Path.
15- Go To The Kids’s Museum Of Southern Oregon
The newly reopened Kids’s Museum Of Southern Oregon sits in downtown Medford, and it’s an exquisite place to take the children.
Like different youngsters’s museums, it has interactive displays and courses meant to encourage youngsters to study.
However, what makes the Kids’s Museum Of Southern Oregon actually particular is The Makery.
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This distinctive area permits youngsters to create and gives all of the sources and instruments wanted.
Kids could make 3D-printed figures, create stop-motion animation, and extra.
The Kids’s Museum of Southern Oregon is at 413 W Essential St, Medford, OR 97501.
16- Verify Out The KC-97 Gasoline Tanker Landmark
The KC-97 Gasoline Tanker is a historic versatile plane used as a troop transporter, a hospital ship, an in-air fueler and a cargo service.
The actual plane in Medford was in-built 1952 and retired in 1978. It has been superbly restored and is open to the general public.
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This KC-97 Gasoline Tanker may even be rented out and is provided with heating, air con and electrical energy, in addition to tables and chairs obtainable for occasions.
The KC-97 Gasoline Tanker is on the Rogue Valley Worldwide Airport, 1000 Terminal Loop Pkwy, Medford, OR 97504.
17- Go to The Rogue Gallery And Artwork Heart
The Rogue Gallery and Artwork Heart was the primary non-profit group for visible artwork within the Rogue Valley, and it continues to impress.
The centre welcomes greater than 10,000 guests to its three completely different galleries yearly.
The Essential Gallery, Neighborhood Gallery and the Member’s Gallery all provide insightful displays.
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The Rogue Gallery And Artwork Heart embrace numerous sorts of artwork, from encaustic to blended media to portray.
The centre additionally hosts occasions like this 12 months’s masquerade ball silent public sale.
The Rogue Gallery and Artwork Heart is at 40 S Bartlett St, Medford, OR 97501.
18- Store At The Village At Medford Heart
The enduring Village At Medford Centre is one among Medford’s hottest purchasing centres.
The indoor purchasing centre options many retailers and facilities, comparable to eating places, cafes, pet shops, nail salons, and leisure alternatives.
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The Village At Medford Heart additionally hosts loads of year-round occasions.
From Halloween trick-or-treating to the Wholistic Well being Problem Kick-Off to Selfies with Santa, there is no such thing as a scarcity of issues to do right here.
The Village At Medford Heart is at 711 Medford Heart, Medford, OR 97504.
19- Catch A Present At The Collaborative Theatre Undertaking
The Collaborative Theatre Undertaking is a highly-rated theatre that goals to supply high quality theatre packages, present group training and outreach, and help native artists.
The theatre has a programme of performs, so there’s certain to be one that matches your style, from Little Ladies and Don Quixote to Macbeth and Proof.
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Ensure to get your tickets on-line upfront.
The Collaborative Theatre Undertaking is at 555 Medford Heart, Medford, OR 97504.
20- Go Go-Karting At Rogue Karting
Going Go Karting is likely one of the enjoyable issues to do in Medford.
Final however not least, Rogue Karting is a superb vacation spot for guests who’re feeling adventurous.
The high-speed indoor observe options Italian-crafted SODI karts for adults and youngsters, making it nice for household journeys.
The grownup go-karts are precision racing machines, and whereas the youngsters’s go-karts are designed with security in thoughts, they supply a thrill for youths.
If you’ve completed racing, drop into the Hello-Fi Café, the place you possibly can gas up with juicy hamburgers, yummy smoothies, contemporary salads and low.
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Rogue Karting is at 2065 Lars Manner, Medford, OR 97501, United States.
For extra concerning the Pacific Northwest, learn:
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.
Joshua Gray is one of the most seasoned offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Oregon State prospect started 56 games during his time in Corvallis, with 44 of those starts coming at left tackle and 12 at left guard.
The battle-tested offensive linemen could be a Day 3 target for the Green Bay Packers and checks in at No. 96 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
Gray came to Oregon State as a three-star recruit out of California and earned the starting left tackle job as a redshirt freshman in 2020. Following 44 straight starts at left tackle, Gray kicked inside to left guard for his final season as a Beaver.
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“Not only was Gray the best lineman on the roster for most of his extended stay at Oregon State, but he was also loyal to the program at a time when it needed leadership the most,” Carter Bahns, a reporter for 247sports, said. “When most of the team’s best players entered the transfer portal amid the coaching change and transition out of the traditional Pac-12, Gray returned for one final year and became a multi-year team captain. His blocking ability made him a star, but his intangibles made him an all-time Oregon State great.”
It’s no secret that NFL teams love offensive linemen who can play multiple positions, and the Packers have had a ton of success turning college offensive tackles into all-pro caliber guards. While Gray never took a snap at center during a game, he is listed as center on the Shrine Bowl website and will likely get looks at center, guard and tackle during Shrine Bowl week in Texas.
“Most of Gray’s career came at the left tackle spot, where he was the most valuable piece of an offensive line that regularly ranked among the nation’s most elite units and Joe Moore Award contenders,” Bahns said. “His NFL projections favored him on the interior, though, so he moved to guard ahead of his final year at Oregon State. The Beavers put a premium on versatility and taught all of their offensive linemen to play multiple positions, and that aided Gray in thriving at the guard spot.”
Gray is a powerful run-blocker, who is aggressive with his hands to initiate contact. He plays with the right about of tenacity to bully defenders. The 56-game starter can move in space and looks nimble as a puller.
“Run blocking has always been Gray’s forte,” Bahns said. “Oregon State regularly boasted one of the nation’s best-rushing attacks throughout his career. His Pro Football Focus run blocking grade ranked No. 8 in the Pac-12 in 2021 and No. 3 in 2022.”
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Gray has seen it all. He is alert in pass protection and keeps his head on a swivel. He’s patient in his pass sets and uses a timely punch to get into the frame of rushers. According to PFF, Gray gave up one sack and 13 pressures while playing his new position at left guard this past season.
“What Gray lacks in that elite size NFL teams covet in their tackles, he makes up for in sheer athleticism and effort, and that shows in pass protection,” Bahns said. “He was a lockdown pass blocker on the blind side year after year because of his high motor, discipline and explosiveness.”
Fit with the Packers
Green Bay’s depth along the offensive line was tested during their Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Jordan Morgan already on injured reserve, the Packers had to first turn to Travis Glover after starting left guard Elgton Jenkins left the game with an injury. After the rookie flamed out, the Packers turned to Kadeem Telfort.
With Josh Myers headed for free agency, it’s a safe assumption that Brian Gutekunst will target an interior offensive lineman or two this offseason.
Gray likely isn’t somebody you want starting at left tackle on a full-time basis, but he could kick outside in a pinch and potentially offers five-position versatility.
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“Gray is a proven standout at multiple positions along the offensive line, who developed across a six-year career under one of college football’s most accomplished offensive line coaches in Jim Michalczik,” Bahns said. “He is about as refined and experienced as college linemen come. That, plus the fact that he is a model teammate and longtime captain, makes him a complete package who should make an impact early in his pro career.”
Brian Gutekunst has had success finding quality offensive linemen on Day 3 of the draft with picks like Myers, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker Jon Runyan Jr.
With his versatility, experience, run-blocking prowess and football IQ, Gray could be high on Green Bay’s board when Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around.
Derrick Harmon made a huge move when he transferred to Oregon from Michigan State heading into the 2024 college football season.
Not only did Harmon get the opportunity to help Oregon win the Big Ten championship and earn the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff, he set up his future for an NFL career.
Harmon, a former standout at Detroit Loyola, was an afterthought for the 2025 NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season at Michigan State in 2023 when he got in on 40 tackles from his defensive tackle position, 3½ for lost yardage.
Well, Harmon turned into a star at Oregon, a reason he has declared for the NFL Draft, in which his name is now mentioned in the first round of multiple NFL mock drafts, including No. 17 (Cincinnati Bengals) by Yahoo! Sports and No. 16 (Arizona Cardinals) by CBS Sports. The Pro Football Network projects the 49ers to pick Harmon at No. 11 and has Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker (Detroit Cass Tech) headed to the Lions at No. 32.
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Walker was a second-team All-American in USA Today’s preseason rankings.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN has Harmon No. 14 on his board, the No. 4 defensive linemen, saying: “He combines quickness with power to cause chaos for opponents.”
Yes, Harmon’s thick build and long arms and athleticism give him the ability to line up anywhere from 3-technique to nose tackle, making him versatile and valuable for the next level.
Harmon made the most of his one year at Oregon, getting in on 41 tackles, 10½ TFL and five sacks while forcing two fumbles and recovering two fumbles.
“I’ve seen it, not putting too much attention to it because a lot can change,” Harmon said of the mock drafts. “I know I still have a lot of work to do.”
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So, how impressive was Harmon?
Well, Harmon led the nation in total pressures from an interior defensive lineman with 55, 12 higher than the next-highest player.
One reason for Harmon’s breakout season was his ability to drop 30 pounds and play at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds after playing his final season at Michigan State at 340.
“Going to Oregon was really good for me,” said Harmon, who said he was filing his papers to declare for the draft Monday and was set to travel to Dallas to prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine. “I had a good season, and we capitalized on a good season. I loved my team. I feel I improved by being more of a leader and I loved my pass-rushing ability too.
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“I left (Michigan) State just because I wanted a better opportunity. I feel I’ve always had good technique in the run game just from the coaches I’ve had previously so for me, so it was more tuning up the pass rush. Coach T (defensive line coach Tony Tuioti) and Coach Tosh (defensive coordinator Lupoi) are good coaches, Coach Tuioti taught me a lot about the run game, played a lot of different positions on the line from the 0 all the way to the 5, so all those techniques he was able to teach me to take to the league.
“At State I played at 6-5 and 340 and this year I played at 6-5 at 315, 320. I could tell the difference, more agile and just as strong.”
Harmon said beating Ohio State 32-31 in Eugene during the regular season was his highlight. He had three tackles, and a forced fumble which he recovered at the Buckeyes’ 28 to set up a touchdown.
Harmon still thinks of his days at Loyola, saying “Coach Cal (John Callahan) is a great coach, still coaching to this day (at Hazel Park). He just told me a lot about ball, and he told me I had potential to play at the college level and at the NFL level just like he told me he did with Malik McDowell before me, so that was cool.”
McDowell started his high school career at Loyola before moving on to Southfield, then playing at Michigan State before being picked in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Seahawks.
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High praise for Dante Moore
Former Detroit King standout quarterback Dante Moore started several games at UCLA as a true freshman in 2023 before transferring to Oregon.
Moore stood on the sidelines and watched Dillon Gabriel operate as the Ducks’ quarterback, becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist, completing 72.9% of his passes for 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns (to just six interceptions). Oregon was 13-0 before a quarterfinal loss to Ohio State in the CFP.
When asked how Moore will perform next season with Gabriel using up his six years of eligibility, Harmon replied: “He’s going to be the truth. You can learn a lot sitting behind a Heisman finalist. Dante Moore is going to be a Heisman finalist next year. He’s that good.”
Moore was ranked No. 5 on CBS Sports listing of 16 players who will define the race for the 2025 national championship, saying Moore is “now the obvious choice to lead the explosive Will Stein’s offense,” and will be aided by receiver Evan Stewart, who announced Tuesday that he will return for ’25 season.
Former Belleville standout Bryce Underwood — the No. 1 recruit in the nation who signed with Michigan — was also among the 16 players listed by CBS Sports for those who will define the race for the national championship.
The Biden administration awarded $45 million Tuesday to a research hub at Oregon State University that is working to develop applications for microfluidics, the science of manipulating fluids at miniature scales.
Tuesday’s grant follows a separate $53 million award to HP Inc. on Monday to back microfluidics research and manufacturing at the company’s campus in Corvallis. Both grants were authorized by the 2022 federal CHIPS Act but Tuesday’s money comes from a newly passed defense funding bill.
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