Biggest Winners And Losers From Oregon Ducks' Win Over USC Trojans

On a beautiful Senior Day inside Autzen Stadium, Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning and his extensive roster proved too much for USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley's group, 42-27. Both programs have dynamic offenses that made for a memorable game on the West Coast.

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning before the game against the USC Trojans | oregon ducks on si jake bunn

From the Pac-12 Conference to the now Big Ten Conference, it doesn't matter. These two West Coast powerhouses somehow always find a way to put on an entertaining matchup through and through.

With all the implications on the line, the No. 7 Oregon Ducks (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) proved more worthy and more deep compared to the No. 15 USC Trojans (8-3, 6-2 Big Ten) in the victory in Eugene, Oregon 42-27. Oregon coach Dan Lanning and his boys ultimately cemented themselves in the College Football Playoff field.

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Winner: Kenyon Sadiq Playing Wide Receiver Role

Having both USC's senior safety Bishop Fitzgerald and redshirt junior safety Kamari Ramsey (the star of the Trojans' secondary) out against the Ducks opened up the field for redshirt sophomore quarterback Dante Moore under center.

With all the injuries across the Oregon wide receiver room heading into this game, junior tight end Kenyon Sadiq (two touchdowns and 72 receiving yards on six catches) continued to step up as a reliable route runner for Moore (257 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 22-for-30 completions). Sadiq has shown off the athleticism and hurdle skills that will stand out on his NFL Draft resume.

The same goes for the young, redshirt sophomore tight end Jamari Johnson, but more as a blocker and sidekick to Sadiq against the Trojans. The Louisville transfer has a bright future in the Oregon depth chart.

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Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Brandon Finney (4) celebrates after breaking a pass play against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Loser: Brandon Finney Jr., Oregon Ducks Secondary

The likes of USC's dynamic wide receiver duo proved too much for true freshman cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. Trojans junior receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane combined for 142 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 13 receptions, coming off the hands of redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava.

USC coach Lincoln Riley made sure to target Finney Jr. from the beginning. For the first time this season, he looked like a college guy who wasn't ready for the biggest of lights. This should be a growing experience going forward for the young talent when postseason time comes around.

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) poses for a photo head coach Dan Lanning before the game against the Southern California Trojans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Winner: Bryce Boettcher on Senior Night

What a special moment for the Eugene kid to score a touchdown from the wildcat formation like that. Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher deserves that scoring opportunity, on top of his team-leading 13 tackles (four solo) and one pass deflection on the defensive end. The ultimate athlete truly does everything and has left his impact on the Oregon athletic department.

“Credit to our offensive staff, it’s one we wanted to be able to do; we really practiced it this week and were able to go execute it.”

Dan Lanning on Boettcher's touchdown

Has to be the most well-deserved win of the Dan Lanning era, with true home-field advantage on his side. Under Lanning, Oregon has gone 25–2 inside Autzen Stadium since 2022.

With this win over the Trojans, the Ducks have secured at least a seed in the College Football Playoff. Regardless of the Washington Huskies' outcome next week at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington.