Oregon Fans Will Love What College Football Analyst Said About the Ducks' Playoff Hopes

As the Oregon Ducks prepare to push for a national championship in the College Football Playoff, analyst Jordan Rodgers made a bold prediction on Oregon's playoff chances ahead of the Ducks' first-round matchup with the James Madison Dukes.

Dec 31, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during the Rose Bowl head coaches press conference at Sheraton Grand LA. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The No. 5 Oregon Ducks will kick off their College Football Playoff run on Saturday against the James Madison Dukes. As the Ducks look to earn the program’s first national title, College football insider Jordan Rodgers made a bold statement on the Oregon Ducks’ national championship chances on ESPN’s "First Take."

While the Ducks could face both the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders and the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, Oregon's CFP path has led some to picking Ducks coach Dan Lanning as a championship contender.

Sep 20, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

“I think it’s Oregon. I think partly because of the path. Obviously, they start out with JMU. Their quarterfinal game would be Texas Tech, and I think of the teams that are sitting there waiting with a bye, you’d want to play Texas Tech,” Rodgers said.

“They’re elite on defense, they’re elite running the football … and Dante Moore probably is maybe the most talented guy in the entire College Football Playoff at quarterback with the best upside. So if he puts it together, this team, I think, is devoid of weakness more than any other team, and the path looks good as well,” Rodgers continued.

Oregon’s Potential Playoff Path

Oct 22, 2022; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning watches the clock during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium. The Ducks won the game 45-30. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Ducks' first playoff match against the Dukes is favorable for Oregon. The matchup will be held at Autzen Stadium, giving the Ducks’ homefield advantage. Oregon is also favored in the matchup, as JMU is the lowest-seeded team in the playoff.

If Oregon defeats James Madison, it will begin Oregon’s tough travel schedule, as the quarterfinals will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, at 9 a.m. PT. They would play the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

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Texas Tech is 12-1 and has a bye in the first round. The Red Raiders should not be counted out, as they are Big 12 champions and the No. 4 team, but they have one loss this year, which was against the Arizona State Sun Devils in October.

The challenge will come in the semifinals; if Oregon makes it, the Ducks could end up playing the Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana beat Oregon earlier in the season at Autzen Stadium, and playing at a neutral field will be a challenge for the Ducks.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning arrives at the field as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The championship will be held on Jan. 19 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Dante Moore’s Success Will Lead To Playoff Push

In addition to the playoff path, Rodgers also highlighted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Moore has been one of the top quarterbacks in college football, and he could be the key factor in Oregon’s playoff run.

If Moore can stay composed and play as he has all season, the Ducks’ offense will be tough to stop. The Oregon quarterback has passed for 2,733 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has a 72.5 completion percentage and has been sacked just 12 times.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore arrives at the field as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

His completion percentage ranks No. 2 in the nation, and Moore has gone five games with at least three touchdown receptions.

In addition to Moore’s talent, Oregon’s offensive line has played a substantial role in the team’s success. The offensive line has given Moore time to find his receiver, but has also created big holes for the run game.

Oregon has a well-balanced team, and if they play to their potential, the Ducks are set up for a successful playoff run.

The Oregon Ducks and James Madison Dukes kick off the first round of the playoff on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4:30 p.m. PT.