By Zachary Neel | Ducks Wire
As the 2025 college football season draws near, all eyes are on the Oregon Ducks. After a historic 2024 campaign that saw head coach Dan Lanning lead Oregon to a Big Ten title in their very first year as members of the conference, expectations for the Ducks have reached an all-time high. However, despite the impressive championship run, the team enters the new season with more questions than answers.
Why? Because the Ducks return just four starters from last season, meaning this year’s roster will have a very different look. While there is no shortage of talent, how quickly this young group gels and responds to the pressures of elite competition remains to be seen.
With kickoff just a few weeks away, it’s time to start previewing the challenges ahead. Beyond just the players and the programs they’ll be up against, one of the most important factors in each game will be the opposing head coach. In college football, a good coach can elevate a team from average to elite — and a poor one can hold back even the most talented roster.
So let’s take a look at Oregon’s 2025 schedule and evaluate the head coaches they’ll face, ranking them from the most formidable to the least intimidating.
1. Ryan Day – Ohio State
Still one of the best minds in college football, Ryan Day has built a powerhouse at Ohio State. While the Buckeyes have faced playoff heartbreak in recent years, Day continues to produce NFL-ready talent and field one of the most dynamic offenses in the country. His experience and consistency at the helm make him Oregon’s toughest coaching opponent in 2025.
2. Lincoln Riley – USC
Despite mixed results since USC’s move to the Big Ten, Lincoln Riley remains an offensive genius. Known for developing Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, Riley’s teams are always dangerous. If USC can put together a solid defense this year, Riley’s squad could pose a serious challenge to any opponent, including Oregon.
3. Kalen DeBoer – Alabama
Though he’s relatively new to Tuscaloosa, Kalen DeBoer proved himself by taking Washington to the national title game in 2023. Now at Alabama, expectations are massive. DeBoer is a proven winner and brings a balanced, disciplined approach to coaching — and that’s never something to take lightly.
4. Luke Fickell – Wisconsin
Fickell continues to build a strong identity at Wisconsin with a defensive-minded approach and a physical run game. He’s a coach who gets the most out of his roster, and his teams are always well-prepared. Oregon will need to match Wisconsin’s toughness in the trenches when they meet.
5. Chip Kelly – UCLA
Yes, Chip Kelly is back at UCLA. Though his second stint has been less magical than his Oregon glory days, he’s still a sharp offensive strategist. His unpredictable play-calling and knowledge of the Ducks’ system make him a wild card — not to be underestimated.
6. Matt Rhule – Nebraska
Rhule is in the middle of rebuilding Nebraska and has shown signs of progress. While the Cornhuskers may not be national contenders just yet, Rhule is laying the foundation. He’s proven to be a solid developer of talent and a culture-builder — Oregon should be on alert.
7. Brent Pry – Virginia Tech
Pry has yet to fully establish Virginia Tech as a true contender in the modern landscape. His team is tough defensively, but inconsistency on offense has held them back. Unless there’s a breakout season, Oregon should feel confident going into this matchup.
8. Greg Schiano – Rutgers
Schiano’s return to Rutgers brought some energy back to the program, but success has been limited. His teams play with effort and toughness, but the talent gap is usually significant when facing top-tier programs like Oregon.
9. Tommy Rees – Purdue
Still early in his head coaching career, Rees has a lot to prove. Formerly a top offensive coordinator at Notre Dame and Alabama, Rees is now tasked with turning Purdue into a contender. For now, he ranks at the bottom of the list until we see what he can do leading a full program.
As the Ducks head into the 2025 season with a mostly new roster, facing off against this diverse group of head coaches will be one of their biggest tests. From seasoned veterans to rising stars and question marks, Oregon’s path to another successful season will require not just on-field execution but also outsmarting some of the best minds in the game.
With Dan Lanning proving himself as one of college football’s top young coaches, fans can rest assured that Oregon won’t be outcoached easily. But make no mistake — the Ducks’ coaching matchups this season will play a massive role in shaping their success.