Oregon opened the 2025 season with two emphatic wins, beating Montana State, 59-13, and obliterating Oklahoma State, 69-3. The Ducks continued their strong start to the year with a 34-14 win over Northwestern on Saturday.
However, Oregon dropped in the latest associated press Top 25 rankings despite improving to 3-0 on the young season.
The Ducks dropped two spots to No. 6 in the latest AP poll, with Miami and Georgia passing them.
Why Did the Ducks Drop to No. 6?
Although Oregon has looked phenomenal through three games, its level of competition has been lacking. The Ducks have been expected to win those games, rather than having the opportunity to make a real statement.
“It all goes back to strength of competition. The Ducks have met expectations this season, but they haven’t had a chance to exceed them,” AP’s Maura Carey wrote (h/t apnews.com). “Wins against Northwestern, Oklahoma State and Montana State were all expected of a talented Oregon team.”
The two teams that passed Oregon in this week’s new rankings were Miami and Georgia, who each beat Top 25 teams in week 3. The Hurricanes won in dominating fashion, 49-12, over previously-No. 18 South Florida, and the Bulldogs beat previously-No. 15 Tennessee, 44-41, in overtime on the road.
The Oregon Duck is just like us fr 😅📖 pic.twitter.com/EDCdObIGCm
— espnW (@espnW) September 13, 2025
The Ducks face Oregon State for their in-state rivalry next, which once again, likely will not offer them a chance to move up in the rankings, unless another team ahead of them losses.
However, in two weeks, Oregon travels to face No. 2 Penn State, which will be the first major test for either team.
“A win against Penn State in two weeks? Now that would certainly stir things up and give the Ducks a very strong chance at the top three,” Carey wrote (h/t apnews.com). “As for this week, Georgia and Miami’s wins against ranked teams impressed voters more than Oregon’s win over Northwestern.”
Oregon needs to take of business in week 4 against Oregon State, as in-state rivalries can always cause hiccups. However, the Duck’s matchup with the Nittany Lions in two weeks will have all the eyes on it, and it will be a chance to either team to make a big statement.
