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Published on 11/23/2025
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The Shifting Landscape: USC vs. Oregon in the Big Ten Era
The Shifting Landscape: USC vs. Oregon in the Big Ten Era :
The historic rivalry between the USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks has entered a thrilling new chapter, transcending its Pac-12 roots and now thriving within the formidable Big Ten Conference. This monumental shift, which saw both powerhouse programs join the Big Ten in 2024, has not only intensified their storied clashes but also reshaped the national college football landscape. Their recent face-off on November 22, 2025, served as a stark reminder that geographical distance cannot diminish the ferocity and high stakes of this West Coast showdown.
The move to the Big Ten was a seismic event, with USC and UCLA being the first to announce their departure from the Pac-12 in June 2022, followed by Oregon and Washington in August 2023. This realignment, driven by various factors including media rights and broader exposure, expanded the Big Ten to an 18-team super-conference. The rivalry maintains its intensity, even as it takes on a new conference affiliation, promising more high-stakes contests for years to come.
Oregon Dominates Latest Showdown, Crushing USC's CFP Hopes :
In their most recent clash on Saturday, November 22, 2025, the No. 7 Oregon Ducks delivered a decisive 42-27 blow to the No. 15 USC Trojans at Autzen Stadium, effectively ending USC's College Football Playoff aspirations. Quarterback Dante Moore was a standout for the Ducks, throwing for 257 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his dynamic playmaking abilities. This victory not only solidified Oregon's path towards a potential playoff berth but also extended USC's winless streak in Eugene since 2011, marking their fourth consecutive loss to the Ducks.
The game was a hard-fought contest, but Oregon's disciplined execution and explosive plays proved too much for the Trojans. Special teams, in particular, played a critical role in the outcome, with Oregon benefiting from an 85-yard punt return touchdown by Malik Benson and costly penalties against USC. Head coach Dan Lanning emphasized his team's toughness, stating they 'competed' against a formidable opponent, a subtle jab at perceived weaker schedules elsewhere.
Lincoln Riley's Frustration and USC's Lingering Questions :
Following the disheartening loss to Oregon, USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley expressed his disappointment, acknowledging critical mistakes and penalties that plagued his team. Despite the Trojans' 8-3 record and a significant number of wins this season, their inability to secure victories in crucial matchups against top-ranked opponents has led to growing scrutiny. Riley, who arrived at USC with high expectations of returning the program to national prominence, is now facing increased pressure as the team continues to fall short in 'big games'.
The loss further highlighted USC's persistent issues, particularly on special teams and defense, which were exploited by Oregon. Riley, when confronted with questions about his coaching future and a fan sign suggesting extending his contract (interpreted as a slight by opposing fans), responded with a blunt, 'That might be the dumbest question I've ever been asked.' This reaction underscores the intense pressure and frustration surrounding the program's perceived underperformance in key moments.
Key Player Performances and Game-Changing Moments :
The recent USC-Oregon game was punctuated by several standout individual performances. For Oregon, quarterback Dante Moore was exceptional, delivering accurate passes and guiding the Ducks' offense to 42 points. Running back Noah Whittington also contributed significantly with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown, complementing Moore's aerial assault. Kenyon Sadiq added six catches for 72 yards and two crucial scores, further illustrating the Ducks' offensive depth.
On the USC side, quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns, with wide receiver Makai Lemon being a primary target, tallying a pair of receiving touchdowns and even throwing a 24-yard touchdown pass himself. Despite these offensive sparks, an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown by Oregon's Malik Benson in the second quarter was a pivotal momentum swing that USC struggled to recover from, highlighting the impact of special teams blunders.
The Future Outlook: Recruiting Battles and Big Ten Impact :
Looking beyond the immediate aftermath of the game, both USC and Oregon are deeply invested in their future trajectories within the Big Ten. Recruiting remains a fierce battleground between the two programs, with Oregon recently flipping a three-star wide receiver commitment from Utah. Meanwhile, USC boasts the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026, featuring highly-touted five-star commits like offensive tackle Keenyi Pepe and tight end Mark Bowman, signaling a strong foundation for future seasons.
The move to the Big Ten means these programs will regularly compete against a new array of formidable opponents, pushing both rosters to continually evolve. This ongoing competition, combined with high-stakes recruiting, will be crucial in defining who emerges as the dominant force in the expanded conference. Fans can anticipate that every future encounter between USC and Oregon will carry significant weight, impacting conference standings, playoff bids, and national prestige.
The Rivalry Endures: A New Era of Competition :
The USC-Oregon rivalry has always been a marquee matchup, and its transition into the Big Ten has only amplified its significance. While the Pac-12 as it was known has largely disintegrated, with most teams finding new conference homes, the competitive spirit between these two West Coast powerhouses remains vibrant. The recent game served as a clear indicator that their historical animosity translates seamlessly into the new conference structure.
As both teams vie for supremacy within the Big Ten and a coveted spot in the expanded College Football Playoff, their head-to-head contests will be crucial. These games are not just about wins and losses; they are about establishing dominance, impacting recruiting narratives, and shaping the identity of college football's evolving landscape. The anticipation for their next encounter is already building, promising another thrilling chapter in this enduring rivalry.