EUGENE- The No. 1 Oregon Ducks are preparing to face the Washington Huskies in one of the nation’s most competitive rivalries, but for some of Oregon’s players, this will be the final time competing in this historic matchup. Senior linebacker Jeffrey Bassa spoke to the media after Tuesday’s practice, revealing what the rivalry means to him. 

“It means a lot,” said Bassa. “It means a lot to the people that have come before me, like all the alumni. I know it means a lot to the state of Oregon, the Pacific Northwest. Facing these guys the past three times has not come out to the result that we wanted. As we all know, last year was a real close game. We know what’s ahead of us and we’re focused on this week tremendously, so we’ve got to take care of business this week.” 

The Ducks have yet to beat the Huskies since Oregon head coach Dan Lanning took over the program two seasons ago. In 2022, Washington handed Oregon a 34-31 loss at Autzen Stadium. Last season, the Ducks lost to the Huskies on two separate occasions, losing 36-33 in Seattle and 34-31 in the Pac-12 Championship Game, a loss that ruined Oregon’s chances of making the College Football Playoff. 

“You always feel that sour taste in the back of your mouth,” said Bassa of Oregon’s three consecutive losses to Washington. 

Now, the Ducks will have their shot at redemption as they host the Washington Huskies at home in Autzen Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30. 

When Dan Lanning took over Oregon’s football program in 2022, Bassa had already completed a full season with the Ducks. While coaching changes often lead many players to transfer and follow their former coaches to new destinations, Bassa chose to stay at Oregon and play under a new staff. He stuck with Lanning through the challenges of his first season as head coach and is now part of a team that is contending for a national championship. 

“I think that shows great examples of growth. The first year was kind of up and down, and then the next year, we got better and better. This year, we’re putting it all together,” said Bassa. “I’ve developed as a man on and off the field.” 

Although the Ducks have struggled against the Huskies in the past three matchups, Oregon is ready to come out on top and put an end to its 0-3 losing streak against Washington. However, the Ducks aren’t focused on previous losses; according to Bassa, the team is focused on the present. 

“We’re focused on the moment, being where our feet are right now. It’s a new team, you know, but it’s the same program. So we’re still going to have the same mentality that we’ve had for the past couple of years. We’re just going to be dialed in, focused on the game at hand.” 

The Washington game may also be Bassa’s final game at Autzen Stadium and will be his senior night. Throughout Bassa’s time at Oregon, he has emerged as one of the team’s leaders and a highly influential player. However, his time as a Duck is running out, as after the season, Bassa will be looking to achieve another goal: playing in the NFL. However, he hopes to leave a legacy at Oregon. 

“I want to be known as one of the best linebackers to come through Oregon. One of the best communicators to come through Oregon, and just one of the best leaders to come to this program as well. I think that I’ve been doing a great job of that so far. My legacy here is not very far from over, but that’s what I want to be known for,” said Bassa.

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International School of Beaverton was named Oregon’s best public high school, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 rankings.

In Oregon, 348 high schools were ranked in an analysis of 25,000 public high schools across the United States.

High schools were assessed on college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth and graduation rate.

“These are paired with district and state-level statistics for comparative purposes, information about each school’s student body and enrollment, Title I status, and other distinguishing characteristics,” the report said.

For information on U.S. News & World Report’s methodology for the 2024 rankings, click here.

Here are the top 25 high schools in Oregon, according to U.S. News & World Report.

1. International School of Beaverton

International School of Beaverton was ranked first in Oregon and 40th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 431. It has a 99% graduation rate, and a 94.4 college readiness score.

2. Grant High School

Grant High School in Portland was ranked second in Oregon and 322nd in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 2,156. It has a 94% graduation rate, and a 55.0 college readiness score.

3. Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering

Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering in Hillsboro was ranked third in Oregon and 553rd in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 442.Iit has a 100% graduation rate, and a 45.8 college readiness score.

4. Lake Oswego High School

Lake Oswego High School was ranked fourth in Oregon and 715th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,245. It has a 94% graduation rate, and a 59.5 college readiness score.

5. Cleveland High School

Cleveland High School in Portland was ranked fifth in Oregon and 746th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,547. It has a 94% graduation rate, and a 49.3 college readiness score.

6. Corbett High School

Corbett High School in Corbett was ranked sixth in Oregon and 957th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 324. It has an 89% graduation rate, and a 67.2 college readiness score.

7. Mountainside High School

Mountainside High School in Beaverton was ranked seventh in Oregon and 1,072nd in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,758. It has a 95% graduation rate, and a 37.8 college readiness score.

8. Lakeridge High School

Lakeridge High School in Lake Oswego was ranked eighth in Oregon and 1,124th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,234. It has a 97% graduation rate, and a 59.0 college readiness score.

9. South Eugene High School

South Eugene High School in Eugene was ranked ninth in Oregon and 1,203rd in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,505. It has a 90% graduation rate, and a 38.0 college readiness score.

10. Lincoln High School

Lincoln High School in Portland was ranked 10th in Oregon and 1,248th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,525. It has a 94% graduation rate, and a 43.2 college readiness score.

11. Sherwood High School

Sherwood High School in Sherwood was ranked 11th in Oregon and 1,285th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,704. It has a 94% graduation rate, and a 43.9 college readiness score.

12. West Linn High School

West Linn High School in West Linn was ranked 12th in Oregon and 1,295th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,905. It has a 96% graduation rate, and a 56.0 college readiness score.

13. Westview High School

Westview High School in Portland was ranked 13th in Oregon and 1,372nd in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 2,442. It has an 89% graduation rate, and a 36.4 college readiness score.

14. Four Rivers Community School

Four Rivers Community School in Ontario was ranked 14th in Oregon and 1,536th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 104. It has a 93% graduation rate, and a 65.0 college readiness score.

15. Summit High School

Summit High School in Bend was ranked 15th in Oregon and 1,631st in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,444. It has a 96% graduation rate, and a 55.9 college readiness score.

16. Arts and Communication Magnet Academy

Arts and Communication Magnet Academy in Beaverton was ranked 16th in Oregon and 1,698th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 369. It has a 94% graduation rate, and a 41.9 college readiness score.

17. Mountain View High School

Mountain View High School in Bend was ranked 17th in Oregon and 1,966th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,221. It has an 87% graduation rate, and a 40.0 college readiness score.

18. Enterprise High School

Enterprise High School in Enterprise was ranked 18th in Oregon and 2,212th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 135. It has an 81% graduation rate, and a 38.6 college readiness score.

19. Baker Early College

Baker Early College in Baker City was ranked 19th in Oregon and 2,335th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 427. It has a 93% graduation rate.

20. Wilsonville High School

Wilsonville High School in Wilsonville was ranked 20th in Oregon and 2,706th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,269. It has a 93% graduation rate, and a 50.9 college readiness score.

21. St. Paul High School

St. Paul High School in St. Paul was ranked 21st in Oregon and 2,768th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 102. It has a 100% graduation rate, and a 42.4 college readiness score.

22. Crescent Valley High School

Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis was ranked 22nd in Oregon and 3,095th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 931. It has a 94% graduation rate, and a 37.2 college readiness score.

23. Clackamas High School

Clackamas High School in Clackamas was ranked 23rd in Oregon and 3,127th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,224. It has a 90% graduation rate, and a 32.3 college readiness score.

24. Franklin High School

Franklin High School in Portland was ranked 24th in Oregon and 3,176th in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 1,966. It has an 88% graduation rate, and a 39.7 college readiness score.

25. Riverdale High School

Riverdale High School in Portland was ranked 25th in Oregon and 3,181st in the nation, with an estimated enrollment of 185. It has an 84% graduation rate.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel trending news reporter Cailey Gleeson contributed to this report.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.

The No. 1 Oregon Ducks are on the precipice of completing their second undefeated regular season in school history, and as Duck fans begin to dust off their 2010 “12-O” t-shirts, Oregon coach Dan Lanning talked to the media in his weekly pregame press conference before the Ducks take on their rival the Washington Huskies. One of the biggest concerns coming off a late bye week is the injury status of certain star players. When asked about the current injury status of senior defensive end Jordan Burch and offensive lineman Marcus Harper II at the end of his presser, Lanning kept things brief.

“I think time will tell,” Lanning said. “Just like I’ve always told you guys, when guys are ready to be out there on the field we’ll see them.”

It’s a similar response from the one’s Lanning has given all season, not wanting to give too much away before kickoff. With their “next man up” mentality, both Burch and Harper’s positions have been temporarily filled by defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei and offensive linemen Dave Iuli and Kawika Rogers respectively.

One of the most positive signs on the injury front for the Ducks leading up to their rivalry game against the Huskies came from senior wide receiver Tez Johnson. Johnson, who suffered a right shoulder injury during Oregon’s win at Michigan on Nov. 2, posted an Instagram story Tuesday, Nov. 19 going into the bye weekend. Johnson also changed his Instagram profile picture from Dragon Ball Z character “Goku” in a healing cryo-chamber to a picture of himself kneeling on the field of Michigan’s “Big House” in the “Warp Speed” all-white Oregon jersey, implying he is back from recovery.

When asked about the injury during an earlier interview, Lanning avoided addressing Johnson’s social media activity. His response may seem familiar to the one given at his weekly presser.

“Yeah, I’m not going to talk about injuries,” Lanning said. “You guys will see them on the field when they’re ready to go.”

Harper, an essential piece to Oregon’s interior trench protection at right guard, left the Michigan game as well but during the fourth quarter with a left knee injury and has been out for almost the same amount of time as Johnson. Lanning stated later on that both Harper and Johnson’s injuries were not “as bad as maybe they appeared on the field.”

As for Burch, he’s been in and out throughout the season, missing a total of four games. His first gap from play came during practice before Oregon’s win against Ohio State at Autzen Stadium. Burch went down with a foot injury. His second injury came against Maryland with an ankle issue and Burch has since missed Oregon’s win against Wisconsin.

Beyond these three athletes, the rest of Oregon’s injuries have been season-long. Offensive lineman transfer Matthew Bedford has missed the entire season with a left knee injury and has no promise to return even though he was expected to be a starter this season. Lanning has also confirmed wide receiver Kyler Kasper and defensive lineman My’Keil Gardner are both out indefinitely.

Oregon kicks off against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4:30 p.m. PS.

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