Oregon football hasn't looked like a national championship contender through two weeks of the season, with a narrow win over Boise State and an upset loss to Oklahoma State, which broke the nation's longest losing streak with its win.
The Ducks fell to No. 18 in the US LBM Coaches Poll on Sunday, Sept. 13, marking the first time since Oct. 15, 2023, the program hasn't been inside the top 10 of the rankings. One of the nation's most talented rosters took a 12-spot fall from No. 6 to the late teens after the loss.
The last time it happened, Oregon fell to No. 11 in the rankings after its 36-33 loss to Kalen DeBoer and Washington on Oct. 14, 2023.
The Cowboys
dominated Oregon, with the game only close because of the Ducks scoring on a pair of Oklahoma State turnovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Oklahoma State outgained Oregon 554-281 in the Ducks' 39-31 loss.
Projected first-round pick Dante Moore was held to 14-of-29 passing for 191 yards and two touchdowns. His Oklahoma State counterpart, Drew Mestemaker, outplayed him, passing for 317 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 109 yards and another score.
Oregon made the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, where it fell to Indiana 56-22 in the Peach Bowl. Both of Oregon's losses in 2025 came to the Hoosiers, which went on to win the national championship.
The Ducks' season is far from over, but their CFP chances certainly took a hit with the upset. Oregon has USC, Ohio State, Michigan and Washington on its remaining schedule, and a three-loss season would likely keep the Ducks out of the 12-team playoff.
One thing's for certain: Oregon must start playing better football if it wants to rise in the rankings — or even contend for a national title, for that matter.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oregon falls out of top 10 in US LBM Coaches Poll for first time since 2023
