Rutgers Scarlet Knights 2025 Opponent Preview: Oregon Ducks
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights face one of their toughest challenges of the 2025 season when the Oregon Ducks visit mid-year. 
Oregon, fresh off a 2024 Big Ten Championship, has restocked its roster and will be a formidable opponent for the Scarlet Knights.
2025 Oregon Football at a Glance
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Team: Oregon Ducks
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Stadium: Autzen Stadium (Capacity: 54,000)
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Head Coach: Dan Lanning (4th season)
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Offensive Coordinator: Will Stein
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Defensive Coordinator: Tosh Lupoi
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2024 Record: 13-1 (9-0 Big Ten)
2024 Oregon Season Recap
Oregon had one of its best seasons in recent memory, making a splash in the Big Ten for the first time. The Ducks went undefeated through the regular season and clinched the Big Ten Championship with a win over Penn State.
Entering the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed, Oregon was matched up with Ohio State in the quarterfinals but were overwhelmed early in the game.
Key Returners:
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QB Dante Moore
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WR Evan Stewart
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WR Dakorien Moore
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C Iapani Lalolulu
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RB Noah Whittington
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LB Matayo Uiagalelei
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DL A’Mauri Washington
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LB Teitum Tuioti
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LB Bryce Boettcher
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LB Devon Jackson
Transfer Additions:
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OL Isaiah World (Nevada)
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WR Malik Benson (Florida State)
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TE Jamari Johnson (Louisville)
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OL Alex Harkey (Texas State)
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OL Emmanuel Pregnon (USC)
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RB Makhi Hughes (Tulane)
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DL Bear Alexander (USC)
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S Dillon Thieneman (Purdue)
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CB Theran Johnson (Northwestern)
Key Losses:
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QB Dillon Gabriel
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RB Jordan James
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WR Tez Johnson
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WR Traeshon Holden
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TE Terrance Ferguson
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DT Derrick Harmon
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S Tysheem Johnson
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DB Kobe Savage
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LB Jeffrey Bassa
Strengths
Oregon looks to have found its next star quarterback in Dante Moore, who transferred from UCLA. Moore will lead an offense supported by a talented offensive line, despite some key departures. The line has been bolstered by transfer Isaiah World (Nevada) at left tackle, Alex Harkey (Texas State) at right tackle, and All-Big Ten guard Emmanuel Pregnon (USC). Returning center Iapani Lalolulu, an honorable mention All-Conference pick, anchors the unit.
On defense, the front seven is poised to be a force, with Matayo Uiagalelei returning after a standout 2024 season (10.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss). Linebacker Teitum Tuioti also returns after registering 5.5 sacks and 58 tackles last year.
Weaknesses
Oregon will need to improve its ground game in 2025. The Ducks’ rushing attack averaged just 4.4 yards per carry in 2024, a relatively low number for such an explosive offense. With standout running back Jordan James now in the NFL, Oregon will lean on new faces in the backfield. Noah Whittington, who had 540 rushing yards last season, will likely take on a larger role, with Makhi Hughes (Tulane) joining the team. Hughes brings nearly 2,800 career rushing yards but needs to prove he can adapt to the Big Ten.
Rutgers Football Opponent Schedule Highlights
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Week 1: Ohio
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Week 2: Miami (Ohio)
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Week 3: Norfolk State
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Week 4: Iowa
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Week 5: Minnesota
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Week 6: BYE
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Week 7: Washington
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Week 8: Oregon
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Week 9: Purdue
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Week 10: Illinois
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Week 11: Maryland
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Week 12: BYE
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Week 13: Ohio State
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Week 14: Penn State
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