How Oregon Can Still Earn Playoff Spot Even If The Ducks Lose To Washington

The No. 7 Oregon Ducks enter their final road game of the season against the Washington Huskies in great shape to make the College Football Playoff. What are Oregon's CFP chances depending on the result against Washington?

Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looks on during the first quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The No. 7 Oregon Ducks are in great shape to reach the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season following Saturday's pivotal 42-27 win over the No. 15 USC Trojans at Autzen Stadium. As the Ducks prepare to face the Washington Huskies in their final game of the regular season on the road in Seattle, ESPN's College Football Playoff Predictor gives Oregon a 97-percent chance of making it in.

Oregon's Possible Placement In the College Football Playoff

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Southern California Trojans during the first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Ducks have the fifth-best chance to make the CFP behind No. 4 Georgia, No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 2 Indiana, and No. 1 Ohio State, who all have a 99-percent chance or more of making the 12-team field. Even if the Ducks fall to the Huskies on Saturday, they are still in good shape to earn a spot, as the playoff predictor gives them an 89-percent chance to make it in with a loss to Washington.

Despite these projections, however, crazier things have happened in college football, which is why Oregon must take care of business on the road against its arch-rival, the Washington Huskies on Saturday.

With a win over the Huskies, the Ducks are all but guaranteed to host at least a first-round playoff game at Autzen Stadium.

MORE: Dan Lanning Takes Shot at SEC Scheduling After Oregon's Win Over USC

MORE: How Oregon's Win Over USC Changes Ducks' College Football Playoff Chances

MORE: AP Top 25 Poll Shifting After Oregon Beats USC, Georgia Tech's Upset Loss 

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While unlikely, the Ducks' chances of earning a first-round bye in the playoff aren't completely off the table. To earn a bye, however, Oregon will likely need to win its second consecutive Big Ten Championship. To reach the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis, the Ducks must beat Washington and also need help from a conference rival.

Oregon clinches a spot in the Big Ten Championship with a win over Washington, and an upset victory by the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines against the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes in Ann Arbor.

Oregon's Final Road Game vs. Washington

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Ducks enter Saturday's matchup against the Huskies with a 10-1 record on the season. Oregon has reached 10 wins in all four seasons under coach Dan Lanning, who has an impressive 45-7 coaching record with the Ducks, following the win over USC.

Oregon is looking to earn its second straight win over Washington in their intense rivalry series after defeating the Huskies 49-21 in Eugene in 2024. Saturday's road matchup against the Huskies will be a challenge, as Washington enters with an 8-3 record, following a dominating 48-14 win over the UCLA Bruins.

Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch during the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Oregon is currently a 6.5-point favorite over Washington according to ESPN BET Sportsbook. The Huskies will bring everything they've got against the Ducks, as their team and fan base would love nothing more than to spoil Oregon's CFP standing.

The Ducks have been phenomenal on the road all season long and will approach the Washington game with a business-like mindset, knowing what's at stake. The kickoff from Husky Stadium between Oregon and Washington is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT with the game broadcast on CBS.

• Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 
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