The Oregon Ducks will go into their 2026 season with high expectations, and a very low margin of error given the strength of their schedule. While the Ducks don't “have” to defeat Ohio State in Columbus in 2026, there are a plethora of games the Ducks simply can't afford to lose if they hope to make the College Football Playoff. Here are three "must win" games for the 2026 season. Oregon Ducks Must Build Momentum Going in to Gauntlet of ScheduleNov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning enters Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. A loss to Northwestern could start a skid that would essentially ruin the Ducks' chances to make the College Football Playoff.