Eugene’s own Oregon Ducks kicked off the 2026 college football season in style, holding off the Boise State Broncos for a 34-27 win in what turned out to be one of the more dramatic openers in recent memory. The game, played at home, gave Ducks fans plenty to cheer about as their team found a way to win despite a hard-fought challenge from a tough Broncos squad.

The victory was not without its drama. Boise State arrived in Eugene late due to inclement weather that disrupted the team’s travel plans, yet the Broncos still came ready to play and pushed Oregon to the final whistle. The Ducks ultimately prevailed, escaping what could have been a stunning upset and sending their home crowd home happy.

Several standout performances caught the eye of analysts and fans alike. Freshman receiver Davon Benjamin drew praise from head coach Dan Lanning, whose post-game comments signaled a growing trust in the young player. Quarterback Dante Moore also weighed in on the performance of receiver Jeremiah McClellan, making clear that McClellan’s big game was no one-time flash — a promising sign for the offense as the season gets underway.

The Register-Guard captured the excitement in a photo gallery showcasing the best moments from the contest, while Ducks Wire noted that Oregon had to dig deep to secure the result. Despite receiving what Central Oregon Daily described as “middling grades” in a Week 1 report card, the bottom line was a win — and in college football, that is what counts most when the season begins.

With the opener now in the books, Eugene’s football community is buzzing with anticipation for what the rest of the season may bring. The Ducks showed both their potential and their resilience, qualities that will serve them well as they face a demanding schedule ahead. For fans who packed the stands on a warm early-September evening, it was a memorable start to a new campaign.

Sources: The Register-Guard, Ducks Wire, Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated