Oregon

2025 Look-Ahead: Will Oregon Lose a Game?

Published

12 months ago

December 15, 2024

2025 Look-Ahead: Will Oregon Lose a Game?

The Oregon Ducks’ 2025 football schedule released earlier this week and laid out the team’s path for next season. Here I’ll take a look at each game and offer a tentative prediction, fully knowing that rosters and game times have not yet been set.

August 30th vs Montana State

Not too much to consider here. Montana State is a respectable FCS program but shouldn’t hold a candle to Oregon on the field.

The Ducks had a bit of a tough time against Idaho in week one this year but I trust that that was an aberration.

Prediction: Oregon wins

September 6th vs Oklahoma State

This makes for a fun out-of-conference power four game that shouldn’t be too worrisome for fans. Oklahoma State has had a great run under coach Mike Gundy but appears to have lost its step a bit this year.

Prediction: Oregon wins

September 13th @ Northwestern

This could be a bit of a weird one as Northwestern breaks in a new stadium but the Ducks will still be relatively fresh which tamps down concerns about a trap game. The Wildcats don’t recruit or develop at a level that should create any real threat to Oregon and this game takes place before weather should really be a factor.

Prediction: Oregon wins

September 20th vs Oregon State

Oregon will welcome the Beavers back to Autzen Stadium again for just the second non-conference matchup between these programs. Credit to Oregon State for managing to recruit at a reasonable level this year (68th nationally per the On3 Industry Rankings), well above many power conference teams but I don’t think it’ll be nearly enough.

Prediction: Oregon wins

September 27th @ Penn State

As a rule I don’t predict undefeated seasons so there has to be a loss somewhere. Presumptive 2025 starting quarterback Dante Moore will not have played in an environment comparable to Beaver Stadium and the Ducks will be playing their fifth game in as many weeks.

I expect a charged atmosphere in College Park for this one and although Penn State has struggled to beat elite teams under coach James Franklin, I’ll say they snare Oregon here.

Prediction: Oregon loses

October 11th vs Indiana

Bit of a tough one to analyze here. It’s unclear how much of Indiana’s roster will be retained past 2024 and while this has been an incredible year for the Hoosiers, I don’t expect them to be winning double-digit games on a consistent basis.

This will the their first trip to Autzen Stadium and I think the roster differential as well as home environment will be too much to overcome.

Prediction: Oregon wins

October 18th @ Rutgers

Just two weeks removed from a bye, I expect a sharp outing from Oregon here. Rutgers is a stable, well-coached operation but realistically isn’t in the same hemisphere as the Ducks. I have all the respect in the world for Scarlet Knights’ coach Greg Schiano but Rutgers isn’t known for being especially difficult to win at and there are any number of reason to not be concerned here.

Prediction: Oregon wins

October 25th vs Wisconsin

Is this a revenge game? Wisconsin pushed Oregon to the brink this year, holding the team to 16 points and maintaining a lead into the fourth quarter.

Next year figures to be a little different. The Ducks were on the last game of eight in a row this season and clearly wore it on the field.

With motivation to put 2024’s nail-biter behind them as well as the Autzen crowd at their backs and a better rest situation, I don’t expect many challenges.

Prediction: Oregon wins

November 8th @ Iowa

In my mind this is the biggest trap game of 2025 as Iowa consistently fields a disciplined unit that makes you beat them. It’s hard to imagine coach Kirk Ferentz adapting his system much between this year and next so points will likely be at a premium for the Hawkeyes once again.

On the flip side this will be a quality team that has a good home atmosphere and should be excited to host a West Coast power in Oregon. It’s one of my lower-confidence predictions but I think the Ducks, fresh off a bye, get this one done with a far more dynamic offense than Iowa has been able to muster.

Prediction: Oregon wins

November 15th vs Minnesota

I like coach P.J. Fleck as much as the next guy but the talent discrepancy here will, again, be tough to overcome. A reasonably rested Oregon team will be playing its second-last home game of the year and should be in the thick of the playoff mix, leaving little room for an upset.

Prediction: Oregon wins

November 22nd vs USC

It occurred to me while writing this that USC’s had to play at Autzen in its last two matchups against the Ducks but I’m not one to feel bad. It will be difficult for coach Lincoln Riley to get this team to a place where they can contend against the best teams in the country in just one offseason and Oregon is never shy on motivation going against the Trojans.

I won’t say I outright expect a blowout but this is definitely a game I could see being over early.

Prediction: Oregon wins

November 29th @ Washington

Second-highest in the trap rankings for next year is a road matchup against the Huskies. It’s hard to call a rivalry a trap game but after trouncing them this year, Oregon could come into this one a little headstrong.

I also expect a much-improved Washington team in year two under coach Jedd Fisch as he did at Arizona, taking the team from one win in his first season to five the next. With that all said, this is another opportunity for Oregon to avenge its 2023 loss at Husky Stadium and likely punch its ticket to another Big Ten Conference Championship appearance.

Prediction: Oregon wins

Record Prediction: 11-1

It was difficult to find a loss on this schedule but like I said, I don’t really predict undefeated seasons due to how rare they are. In any given year even the best team is likely to drop one at some point.

I could see this being another 12-0 regular season for the Ducks but three somewhat dicey games prevent me from calling it outright. I expect another great year for Oregon with plenty of elite talent backfilling losses from this season’s roster and a likely berth in the College Football Playoffs.

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From dare to Team USA in weeks: The lightning journey of Oregon’s ‘sightless surfer’

Published

8 hours ago

November 29, 2025

Press Room

From dare to Team USA in weeks: The lightning journey of Oregon’s ‘sightless surfer’

When Emily Purry casually asked her surf guide how far off she might be from competing, she never expected his answer would catapult her onto Team USA within weeks. On a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, Purry shared the whirlwind journey that transformed her from a beginner blind adaptive surfer to an international competitor representing Oregon on the world stage.

Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

“It was quite the whirlwind. Honestly, nothing that I expected or really even thought could happen,” Purry, who goes by “Strong Sightless Surfer” on Instagram, told host Chiara Profenna. “I’ve been surfing for a very short time. I’m very new to the sport.”

That conversation with her guide quickly escalated from hypothetical to actionable. When he suggested she could compete immediately, Purry discovered she needed to enter a competition before Team USA tryouts, leaving her with just two options: Hawaii the following week or Japan in three weeks.

Despite being a novice surfer who had progressively lost her sight to Stargardt’s macular degeneration, she made a decision that would intimidate even seasoned travelers: “As weird as it sounds, I think I can pull off Japan. And so, I flew to Japan independently. It was my first time flying internationally by myself.”

The logistics were daunting. In rapid succession, Purry had to purchase her first surfboard, navigate international travel alone, and trust strangers in a foreign country where communication was difficult. “I had to meet people I’d never seen before in my life. I talked to one of them on the phone once,” she explained, detailing how she was picked up by a Japanese man whose English was limited.

Despite these challenges, Purry not only competed in Japan but returned home and, just eight days later, successfully tried out for Team USA.

For Purry, this journey represents far more than athletic achievement.

“It started to bring my confidence back as far as who was I, who I used to be, and how much I missed me as a human being,” Purry shared, highlighting the deep connection between physical activity and sense of self.

Purry spoke on the podcast as she was preparing for the ISA (International Surfing Association) World Competition in Oceanside, California, held Nov. 2–7.

“I definitely want to win,” she shared on the podcast, revealing the competitive spirit that propelled her from that first casual conversation to the international stage in mere weeks. In Oceanside, Purry went on to help Team USA secure the silver medal at the ISA World Championships.

Listen to the full episode here:

Subscribe to The Oregonian/OregonLive’s travel and outdoors podcast Peak Northwest on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Hosts Jamie Hale and Chiara Profenna take you to some of the greatest destinations in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Check out more Peak Northwest episodes below.

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Tale of the tape: Previewing Oregon’s Class 3A football state title game between Cascade Christian and Burns

Published

1 day ago

November 28, 2025

Press Room

Tale of the tape: Previewing Oregon’s Class 3A football state title game between Cascade Christian and Burns

We’re at the final week of Oregon high school football and the Class 3A state tournament all comes down to No. 1 Cascade Christian (12-0) and No. 3 Burns (11-1).

Here is a breakdown of Saturday’s Class 3A state championship game, which will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Summit High School in Bend.

Last meeting: Burns won 46-19 in Week 3 of the 2014 season.

Quick fact: Cascade Christian is vying to become the first team to give up zero points en route to a state title since Regis won the Class A championship in 1973.

About Burns

Road to the final: Def. Phoenix 54-7 (first round), Vale 32-20 (quarterfinals), Banks 36-31 (semifinals)

Last state championship: 2024 (second)

Last state final: 2024 (fifth appearance)

Coach: Matt Bruck, third season (28-14)

Offensive leaders: QB Jack Wright, sr. (144-246-3-2445, 40 TDs pass; 88-491-12 rush); RB Tommy Winn, sr. (139-943-9); WR Coltin Miller, sr. (79-1505-21); WR Preston Hill, sr. (31-471-7); TE Cannon Kemper, jr. (19-342-8)

Defensive leaders: LB Jasper SkunkCap, jr. (73 tackles, 15 for loss); DL Joe Weil, sr. (68 tackles, 28 for loss, 11.5 sacks); LB Kemper (69 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks); LB Colter Handley, soph. (56 tackles, 5 for loss); DL Ben Chamberlain, jr. (13 tackles for loss)

Lighthearted moment: Several weeks ago, the team played a game of “blob tag,” which requires teammates to remain attached by holding hands or interlocking arms, and as they tag players and attach them to the blob, it breaks off to form new blobs. Who started as the blob? Two of their biggest linemen — Weil and classmate Wesley Graham — trying to chase down their quicker teammates, which Bruck said was a funny sight.

Secret weapon: Weil also rated a mention as the leader of the Hilanders’ offensive and defensive lines.

“On the offensive side of the ball, they create gaps for Tommy and Jack to run through as well as protect Jack,” Challengers coach Jon Gettman said. “On defense, they just shut down a Banks team that had run the ball really well all season. They are a very physical, well-coached team that puts a lot of pressure on you.”

About Cascade Christian

Road to the final: Def. Pleasant Hill 68-0 (first round), North Valley 48-0 (quarterfinals), Gervais 36-0 (semifinals)

Last state championship: 2023 (fifth)

Last state final: 2023 (eighth appearance)

Coach: Jon Gettman, 16th season (155-32)

Offensive leaders: QB Deryk Farmer, sr. (89-147-4-1556, 16 TDs pass; 64-682-11 rush); RB Bryson Walker, jr. (89-986-27); WR Caleb Scaglione, sr. (38-563-7); WR Mikey Covey, soph. (11-353-2); WR Caleb Parker, sr. (15-335-3)

Defensive leaders: LB Covey (63 tackles, 14 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 11 hurries); LB Wyatt Hurley, jr. (59 tackles, 6 for loss); LB Walker (58 tackles); DE Alex Fiannaca, sr. (53 tackles, 11.5 for loss); LB Seth Scaglione, jr. (44 tackles, 10 for loss, 4.5 sacks); DE Austin Cook, jr. (9.5 tackles for loss)

Lighthearted moment: One night before the season kicked off, Gettman invited all the players and their fathers to gather for a night of worship and prayer along with a talk from guest speaker Brandon Boice, a former Oregon State player. It was such a success that Gettman held another session during their Week 7 bye.

“We spend so much time and effort on the gridiron,” Gettman said. “But the greatest blessing is seeing these young men grow up and be leaders in the community. So, taking a break from the season and just being able to speak to the weightier things of life is what I’m thankful for.”

Secret weapon: Bruck pointed to their big three of Farmer, Walker and Caleb Scaglione, “but everything has to run through their quarterback,” he said. “But really, you have to pay equal attention to their trio.”

— René Ferrán is a freelance reporter for The Oregonian/Oregon Live. René grew up in Portland and has written about high school sports in the Pacific Northwest since 1993, with his work featured at the Idaho Press Tribune, Tri-City Herald, Seattle Times, Tacoma News Tribune, The Columbian and High School on SI. He can be reached at rferran.oregonianhssports@gmail.com

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Oregon State women can’t keep up with No. 17 Vanderbilt in second loss of season

Published

2 days ago

November 27, 2025

Press Room

Oregon State women can’t keep up with No. 17 Vanderbilt in second loss of season

Oregon State women’s basketball failed to keep pace with a dynamic offensive team Thursday night, as No. 17 Vanderbilt ran away from OSU, 88-66, in the Paradise Jam Tournament.

Playing their first game in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Beavers (5-2) struggled against a high-pressure Vanderbilt defense, committing 21 turnovers.

The Commodores (7-0) got a game-high 35 points from superstar sophomore Mikayla Blakes and a career-high 17 from Justin Pissott. OSU got 15 points apiece from Jenna Villa and Ally Schimel, and 14 from Lizzy Williamson.

OSU fell behind 8-0 early, facing intense defensive pressure from the Commodores. Blakes was a force from the opening whistle, scoring 21 first half points.

The Beavers trailed, 26-13, after one, as Vanderbilt hit five three-pointers in the opening quarter alone.

But aggressive offensive play from Villa and Schimel cut the Commodores’ lead down to two in the second quarter.

With 2:30 left in the first half, a three-pointer from Cloe Vecina gave OSU the lead, 33-32. But Vanderbilt finished the half strong and took a 43-38 lead at the break thanks to the relentless scoring of Blakes and Pissott.

Vanderbilt carried their strong shooting into the third quarter, going on a 7-0 run to get it to 50-38.

The full-court press started to wear OSU down in the third, and Blakes took full advantage with easy buckets in transition. The Commodores extended their lead to 58-42 midway through the period.

Vanderbilt kept its foot on the gas pedal and didn’t look back, as Scott Rueck’s team committed 11 turnovers in the third quarter alone, getting out-scored 30-9. The Commodores went on a 21-5 run and took a 73-47 lead into the fourth.

Next game: Oregon State (5-2) vs. Virginia Tech (5-2)