10 Questions for 2025

[FishDuck Article]

Turning back the calendar a year, who would have thought that the Ducks would have had a 13-0 season? It did not end the way we were all hoping, but it truly was a magical ride of a season. So, what is going to happen in 2025? 1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in ...

 

10 Questions for 2025 | FishDuck

FISHDUCK.COM

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Darren Perkins of FishDuck.com has some questions about college football and the Oregon Ducks in 2025.

 

[30Duck]

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

Hopefully 10-2 and the 8 seed.

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

No.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

I don't see much difference.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

Doesn't look like much will change next season.

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

Maybe 4.

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

Unlikely.

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

Michigan has a lot of $$ invested in their QB, will Alabama have a QB who fits with DeBoer?

 

Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

I sure hope so.

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

I think they will both be here,

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?
10-2 is the floor.

[Steven A]

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

Hopefully 10-2 and the 8 seed IF the format remains the same.

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

If dominant means undefeated, then No.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

If he has the same result, he's out.  Not sure if he moves on or sc moves on.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

Don't think so since it takes unanimous vote by all the commishs and why would the non-2 agree.

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

Yes = 4.

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

Nope.

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

I'm not sure either will make the playoffs.  Wouldn't that be sweet?

 

Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback? 

Yes.

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

Not Tosh or Will.  Others ???

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?
Noncon 3 -0, conf 8 - 2 losing conference title game. 

[Jon Joseph]

Ceiling - 12-0/ Floor - I'm drafting friend 30 Duck - 10-2, and also for answers to the other questions answered by 30 and not answered by Moi. OBD's 2025 schedule is favorable, manageable, whatever . In today's mega-conferences, the difficulty of in-conference schedules matter more than ever.

 

Dominant Team - In 2024, in the regular season, going 13-0 with wins over PO Boise State, Ohio State, and Penn State, Oregon was arguably the 'dominant' team. After going 4-0 in the PO with wins over Tennessee, OBD (sigh), Texas, and Notre Dame, Ohio State was the 'dominant' team. 

It's not how you start ...

 

With no restriction on transfers and NIL, the Tom Osbourne at Nebraska, Bobby Bowden at FSU, John McKay at SC, Bear Bryant, and Saint Nick at Bama days, are likely over. 

 

The SEC will 'rebound' in 2026 with a change in format assuring that 4 SEC (and 4 B1G teams) are in a 14 to 16-team field. The CFB PO Committee will again be opaque in its deliberations which will bring on the 4-4-2-2-1+1 model or a 16-team field. There will be 1st round blowouts; Herbie and other ESPN talking heads (who never watch the NFL playoffs?) will whine. 

 

With the season ending on January 25, 2026, the champ game will again fall well short of the 34M viewers OBD vs Ohio State drew in the inaugural 4-team PO champ game.

 

In 2025, the venues flip but the SEC in-conference schedules are the same as 2024 , giving the top teams the chance to beat one another up and opening the door for two teams from the ACC or B12 and again but three from the SEC, and/or the B1G. 

 

With Oklahoma's schedule, the Sooners will likely be looking for a new HC, and Texas, with a repeat of its powder puff schedule, win or lose in the opener in Columbus, will return to the SEC champ game and the PO. 

 

GUT Feeling. I won't do it but I'll be tempted to root for the Other Guy if OBD returns to Indy.

 

I'll definitely have more Pepto Bismal and IPAs on hand for the OBD's first PO game.

 

Thanks Darren for ten ponder-producing questions and thanks 30 for the helping hand. 

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

9-3. They have a rough travel schedule with four games east of Iowa City and a new QB. They miss the playoffs.

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

No. The B1G and SEC will beat up on each other.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

I think he will keep them in the hunt this year (8-4, 9-3), so they will keep him around.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

No. It won't get a unanimous vote.

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

I think they get five teams in due to the B1G and Notre Dame losing some ground. ACC or Big 12 get two teams in this year.

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

Yes. Clemson.

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

Bama will make the playoffs. Not Michigan.

 

8) Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

If success is leading Oregon to the playoffs, then no. However, I think he will be far better than he was when he was a Freshman at UCLA.

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

No.

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?

No playoffs but new starters start to gel toward the end of the season.

[Jon Joseph]

 

Darren, in response to Question 5, the NCAA website says 'NO' to the SEC having Four Teams in the 2025-26 field. 'YES' to the B1G having Four in again, with Illinois taking Indiana's spot. 

 

No. 7 OBD would have a 1st round home game hosting No. 10 LSU. What a Hoot! Would Tigers fans try to take over Autzen?

 

5-seed Notre Dame would rematch with and host Navy in a 1st round game and then play B12 champion ASU. Under this format, the 5-seed would again be cherry. 

 

I'm not sure how the author has Penn State losing one conference game, to OBD, and Ohio State winning the conference. This means that PSU would defeat TOSU in Columbus. It also means, I think, that PSU and TOSU would finish 8-1 and OBD 7-2 with Ohio State winning the rematch with PSU in the conference champ game. 

 

 

Way-too-early College Football Playoff bracket predictions for the 2025-26 season

WWW.NCAA.COM

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Let's dive into way-too-early College Football Playoff bracket predictions for the 2025 season.

[EagleScoutJim]

Here’s my overall take, subject to change as reality strikes in the coming months:

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

11-1 (with a loss NOT at Happy Valley), and OBD will make it to the finals. 

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

I agree with the overall consensus- no.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

Another ‘meh’ season, with lots of chatter on the boards about getting rid of LR, but no action taken.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

A definite ‘maybe’. I can see a reseeding after the Conference Championships, with the top 4 getting a bye. 

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

They won’t. 

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

It is definitely a possibility. ASU almost (and short of crappy officiating, would have) took down Texas. 

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

I think that it is realistic to believe that they will. DeBoer is a good coach, has a steering staff, and recruits well. It took Saban several years to conquer the world. There is no reason to believe KD won’t as well. As for Michigan, it’s year 2 of the rebuild. I expect to see growth.

 

Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

Yep, though the going might be rough in the first game or two before he settles into a groove. After that, lights out!

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

Not this year. I think everyone sticks around for another championship run.

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?
I feel pretty good about it. DL and staff know how to coach and motivate. I think the players have bought in. 11-1 after another slow start. Montana State is going to play us hard!

[30Duck]

Interesting bracket, Jon, lots of love for ASU at 4 without Skattebo, way to go NAVY at 12, Ducks look good at 7!

[Darren Perkins]

On 1/28/2025 at 6:28 AM, 30Duck said:

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

Hopefully 10-2 and the 8 seed.

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

No.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

I don't see much difference.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

Doesn't look like much will change next season.

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

Maybe 4.

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

Unlikely.

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

Michigan has a lot of $$ invested in their QB, will Alabama have a QB who fits with DeBoer?

 

Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

I sure hope so.

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

I think they will both be here,

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?
10-2 is the floor.

Wow... y'all treated it like a quiz, very good!

[Darren Perkins]

On 1/28/2025 at 8:58 AM, DrJacksPlaidPants said:

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

9-3. They have a rough travel schedule with four games east of Iowa City and a new QB. They miss the playoffs.

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

No. The B1G and SEC will beat up on each other.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

I think he will keep them in the hunt this year (8-4, 9-3), so they will keep him around.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

No. It won't get a unanimous vote.

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

I think they get five teams in due to the B1G and Notre Dame losing some ground. ACC or Big 12 get two teams in this year.

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

Yes. Clemson.

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

Bama will make the playoffs. Not Michigan.

 

 Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

If success is leading Oregon to the playoffs, then no. However, I think he will be far better than he was when he was a Freshman at UCLA.

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

No.

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?

No playoffs but new starters start to gel toward the end of the season.

Clemson in the semis, interesting, i'm not up to date on them, I'll take ur word for it!

[Darren Perkins]

On 1/28/2025 at 9:13 AM, Jon Joseph said:

 

Darren, in response to Question 5, the NCAA website says 'NO' to the SEC having Four Teams in the 2025-26 field. 'YES' to the B1G having Four in again, with Illinois taking Indiana's spot. 

 

No. 7 OBD would have a 1st round home game hosting No. 10 LSU. What a Hoot! Would Tigers fans try to take over Autzen?

 

5-seed Notre Dame would rematch with and host Navy in a 1st round game and then play B12 champion ASU. Under this format, the 5-seed would again be cherry. 

 

I'm not sure how the author has Penn State losing one conference game, to OBD, and Ohio State winning the conference. This means that PSU would defeat TOSU in Columbus. It also means, I think, that PSU and TOSU would finish 8-1 and OBD 7-2 with Ohio State winning the rematch with PSU in the conference champ game. 

 

 

Way-too-early College Football Playoff bracket predictions for the 2025-26 season

WWW.NCAA.COM

---

Let's dive into way-too-early College Football Playoff bracket predictions for the 2025 season.

I think the portal and NIL really hurts there being any "dominant" team so i think it creates some parity in the top 5 or so. So, probably have more teams like this year's buckeyes winning it all. 

 

Tigers in Eugene would be fun!

[Darren Perkins]

On 1/28/2025 at 9:23 AM, EagleScoutJim said:

 

Here’s my overall take, subject to change as reality strikes in the coming months:

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

11-1 (with a loss NOT at Happy Valley), and OBD will make it to the finals. 

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

I agree with the overall consensus- no.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

Another ‘meh’ season, with lots of chatter on the boards about getting rid of LR, but no action taken.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

A definite ‘maybe’. I can see a reseeding after the Conference Championships, with the top 4 getting a bye. 

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

They won’t. 

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

It is definitely a possibility. ASU almost (and short of crappy officiating, would have) took down Texas. 

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

I think that it is realistic to believe that they will. DeBoer is a good coach, has a steering staff, and recruits well. It took Saban several years to conquer the world. There is no reason to believe KD won’t as well. As for Michigan, it’s year 2 of the rebuild. I expect to see growth.

 

Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

Yep, though the going might be rough in the first game or two before he settles into a groove. After that, lights out!

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

Not this year. I think everyone sticks around for another championship run.

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?
I feel pretty good about it. DL and staff know how to coach and motivate. I think the players have bought in. 11-1 after another slow start. Montana State is going to play us hard!

It's funny, it the playoff stays the same, I think Ducks fans will be pulling for a 5th or 6th seed over getting a first round bye. Get a nice home game and get the ball rolling!

[HDuck]

It's not part of the Q&A but one other question to ponder....

 

How many college head coaches will leave their position and take an NFL job?   Names?

 

So far in the 2024 season, 7 NFL jobs have opened and 6 have been filled.  All 6 came from other NFL jobs, or were "retired" from a recent NFL job.

 

KC's Andy Reid will be 67 in March.  If the Chiefs win a third consecutive Super Bowl?

 

And, on a slightly different note, Ohio State's D-coordinator job has had 3 NFL coaching names raised as possibilities.

[Jon Joseph]

On 1/28/2025 at 12:58 PM, Darren Perkins said:

It's funny, it the playoff stays the same, I think Ducks fans will be pulling for a 5th or 6th seed over getting a first round bye. Get a nice home game and get the ball rolling!

 

I'll be shocked if there is a change in format before 2026-27. 

[cartm25]

Thank you @Darren Perkins!! We need this during the offseason.

 

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

-- Somewhere between 10-2 and 11-1 is my expectation. Let's get past the first round of the CFP is my minimum hope/expectation.

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

-- NO then Yes. To start the season, I think there will be a lot of developing teams without one really standing out, and by the end of the year one or two will emerge.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

-- Hopefully he continues to perform below expectations, but do well enough to not get let go. My ultimate fear is USC getting someone like Deion Sanders.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

-- There should be. Why wait when there is an ultra-rare, general consensus about certain items, specifically the seeding?

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

-- The SEC will be fine, but they won't have a stranglehold anymore.

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

-- Likely not, but best bets would be Clemson / Miami from the ACC.

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

-- If DeBoer gets HIS QB (an actual competent passer), then watch out for Bama. Michigan is a toss-up for me.

 

8) Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

-- He appears to have all the "arm-talent" in the world. Let's make it happen!!

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

-- Hard to predict. If Will Stein's offense can bounce back, then he's most likely to get scooped up. Lupoi is a known entity, and if the Ducks D is incredible, questions will remain as to who's responsible, Lupoi or Lanning.

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?

-- Always nervous excitement. I trust Dan Lanning. I'm concerned about the OLine (chemistry) and the Dline (bulk/depth). Can't wait to see Dante Moore in action!!!

[30Duck]

On 1/28/2025 at 12:47 PM, cartm25 said:

someone like Deion Sanders.

 

I don't think that coach exists. 

[cartm25]

On 1/28/2025 at 11:54 AM, Jon Joseph said:

I'll be shocked if there is a change in format before 2026-27. 

It's a shame it could take that long.

 

Every person in the sports media world, that I watched, thought the Ducks got hosed with their path to the CFP. Strike while the iron's hot. 

[30Duck]

On 1/28/2025 at 2:13 PM, cartm25 said:

Every person in the sports media world, that I watched, thought the Ducks got hosed with their path to the CFP. Strike while the iron's hot. 

It was universal, the only pushback was from ESPN, Herbie, "Look at the Final 4!". The ratings said a lot of people weren't impressed. That hurts ESPN, but not Commish's, even the B1G did alright, Osu2 and Penn State got the benefit, newcomer Oregon got hosed. Big 12 thought it was great. 

[Charles Fischer]

On 1/28/2025 at 7:26 AM, Steven A said:

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

I'm not sure either will make the playoffs.  Wouldn't that be sweet?

 

 

[Jon Joseph]

On 1/28/2025 at 3:47 PM, cartm25 said:

Thank you @Darren Perkins!! We need this during the offseason.

 

1) What will Oregon’s record be and how far will they get in the playoffs?

-- Somewhere between 10-2 and 11-1 is my expectation. Let's get past the first round of the CFP is my minimum hope/expectation.

 

2) Will there be a dominant team in college football?

-- NO then Yes. To start the season, I think there will be a lot of developing teams without one really standing out, and by the end of the year one or two will emerge.

 

3) What the heck will happen with Lincoln Riley and USC?

-- Hopefully he continues to perform below expectations, but do well enough to not get let go. My ultimate fear is USC getting someone like Deion Sanders.

 

4) Will there be any changes to the playoff seedings and who deserves a first-round bye?

-- There should be. Why wait when there is an ultra-rare, general consensus about certain items, specifically the seeding?

 

5) How will the SEC “rebound” from having only three teams in the playoff?

-- The SEC will be fine, but they won't have a stranglehold anymore.

 

6) Will a team not from the SEC, B1G, or named Notre Dame make the semi-finals?

-- Likely not, but best bets would be Clemson / Miami from the ACC.

 

7) Will Michigan and Alabama bounce back?

-- If DeBoer gets HIS QB (an actual competent passer), then watch out for Bama. Michigan is a toss-up for me.

 

8) Will Dante Moore succeed at quarterback?

-- He appears to have all the "arm-talent" in the world. Let's make it happen!!

 

9) Will the Ducks lose a coordinator? Maybe 2?

-- Hard to predict. If Will Stein's offense can bounce back, then he's most likely to get scooped up. Lupoi is a known entity, and if the Ducks D is incredible, questions will remain as to who's responsible, Lupoi or Lanning.

 

10) What is your gut feeling for 2025?

-- Always nervous excitement. I trust Dan Lanning. I'm concerned about the OLine (chemistry) and the Dline (bulk/depth). Can't wait to see Dante Moore in action!!!

Why wait? Good question. Before 2026-27 any change to the PO format requires a unanimous vote of G5, P4 conferences, and Notre Dame.

 

The format favors lower-ranked conference champions having a bye and teams like Ohio State and Notre Dame being seeded below their in-season performance. 

 

In 2026-27, the G5/6 will not have a veto, and the Power 2 will be large and in charge.