The Oregon Ducks return to Autzen Stadium on October 11, 2025, with their sights set on protecting both their perfect record and their reputation as one of the most complete teams in college football. Under head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon has become the blueprint for balance—explosive on offense, suffocating on defense, and ruthless in execution. The Ducks enter this Big Ten matchup averaging over 42 points per game while allowing fewer than 17, and they have rarely been challenged at home thanks to one of the deepest rosters in the nation. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the veteran transfer who has seamlessly fit into Lanning’s system, has been the centerpiece of Oregon’s offensive success. His leadership, accuracy, and ability to diagnose defenses have allowed the Ducks to attack in multiple ways. Gabriel’s efficiency has been remarkable—completing nearly 70% of his passes with double-digit touchdowns already this season—and his chemistry with wide receivers Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden gives Oregon both vertical explosiveness and reliability on key downs. Complementing Gabriel is a ground game that remains among the most dangerous in the country. Running backs Jordan James and Noah Whittington have combined for over 900 yards through five games, running behind an offensive line that continues to reload with elite talent rather than rebuild. The Ducks average more than 5.5 yards per carry, and their balance keeps opposing defenses guessing—forcing them to pick their poison between stopping the run or covering the deep passing attack.

Against Indiana’s aggressive defense, Oregon will look to establish the run early, using motion and misdirection to neutralize linebacker blitzes and open up play-action opportunities downfield. On defense, Oregon’s identity under Lanning continues to shine. The Ducks’ front seven, anchored by Brandon Dorlus and Jordan Burch, has been relentless in generating pressure and controlling the line of scrimmage. Their ability to collapse pockets and disrupt timing will be critical against Indiana’s quarterback Tayven Jackson, who has been lights out in rhythm but can be rattled when forced off-platform. Linebackers Jeffrey Bassa and Jestin Jacobs bring speed and versatility, giving the Ducks flexibility to disguise pressures while still maintaining strong coverage against Indiana’s running backs and tight ends. The secondary, led by standout cornerback Dontae Manning and safety Bryan Addison, will have its hands full against Indiana’s deep and dynamic receiving corps, but their experience and communication should help limit explosive plays. Special teams remain a quiet strength for Oregon, with kicker Camden Lewis steady from distance and returner Gary Bryant Jr. providing a consistent spark in the field position game. For Oregon, the keys to victory are composure and discipline—avoiding costly penalties and limiting turnovers that could swing momentum to a confident Indiana team. Autzen Stadium’s atmosphere will play a factor, and the Ducks will look to ride that energy to an early lead, forcing Indiana to abandon its balanced approach and play from behind. If Oregon’s defense can contain the Hoosiers’ running game and force long third downs, their offense has more than enough firepower to take control. This matchup represents more than just another conference test; it’s a statement opportunity for Oregon to solidify itself as a playoff contender in its first Big Ten season. With Gabriel’s precision, the ground game’s physicality, and a defense built for championship football, the Ducks have the tools to dictate every phase of this contest and extend their dominance at home, where opponents rarely survive both the noise and the pace that Oregon brings.