Oregon Ducks’ Stellar Season Ends with Rose Bowl Loss to Ohio State

The Oregon Ducks’ incredible 2024 season came to an abrupt end on January 1, 2025, in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl. Despite entering the game as Big Ten champions with a perfect 13-0 record, the Ducks fell to Ohio State 41-21 in Pasadena. While the loss was disappointing for Oregon fans, it doesn’t overshadow what was a landmark season under head coach Dan Lanning.

A Season to Remember

Oregon’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of historic. The Ducks reached the pinnacle of college football’s rankings after their dramatic 32-31 victory over Ohio State at Autzen Stadium earlier in the season. In the final moments of that game, Ohio State had one more play to attempt a game-winning touchdown. Quarterback Will Howard kept the ball instead of throwing it and slid, surrounded by several Oregon defenders, as the clock hit zero, sealing one of the greatest regular-season wins in program history. For weeks, the Ducks held the No. 1 ranking, showcasing their dominance with a more physical style of play than in previous eras.

The Ducks capped their perfect regular season by defeating Penn State 45-37 in the Big Ten Championship Game, solidifying their place in the College Football Playoff. Oregon fans dared to dream of a national title, as the team looked poised to achieve what had eluded them in the past.

Rose Bowl: A Different Story

Unfortunately for Oregon, the Rose Bowl showcased a different team than the one fans had cheered on all season. Ohio State, led by quarterback Will Howard and freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, came out firing on all cylinders. The Buckeyes dominated the first half, racing to a 34-8 halftime lead. Oregon’s secondary, which had been a strength for much of the season, was picked apart by Howard’s precision passing and the explosive playmaking of Smith and Egbuka.

Howard finished the game completing 17 of 26 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Smith tallied seven receptions for 187 yards and two scores, while Egbuka added five receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Ohio State’s duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 179 rushing yards, with Henderson finding the end zone twice.

Oregon, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm offensively. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel put up respectable numbers—29 of 41 for 299 yards and two touchdowns. Both of Gabriel’s touchdown passes went to receiver TraeShon Holden, who finished with seven receptions for 116 yards and two scores. However, the Ducks’ ground game was stifled. Oregon’s two leading rushers Jordan James and Noah Whittington combined for just 17 yards on the day. The offensive line, a cornerstone of Oregon’s success this season, allowed eight sacks, leaving Gabriel under constant pressure.

While the Ducks showed resilience in the second half, outscoring Ohio State 13-7, the deficit was insurmountable. Ohio State, looking nothing like the team that suffered a shocking 13-10 loss to Michigan late in the season, proved to be the better team on the day.

Looking Ahead

Despite the bitter ending, there’s no denying the strides Oregon has made under Dan Lanning. This season marked the Ducks’ transition from a finesse-style team to one built on physicality in the trenches—a style that Lanning brought from his time with Kirby Smart and Nick Saban.

Even though this team was better equipped to win a national championship than the teams of the Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich eras, they still have a ways to go. But make no mistake—the program is heading in the right direction.

What’s Next?

As Oregon reflects on a season of highs and heartbreaking lows, Ohio State moves on to face Texas in the Cotton Bowl semifinal at AT&T Stadium. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Howard, Smith, and Henderson, will look to replicate their Rose Bowl success against a Texas team that has been equally dominant.

For Oregon fans, the Rose Bowl loss may sting, but the future under Dan Lanning shines bright. This season was a testament to the program’s growth and a reminder that the Ducks are no longer just a flashy team—they’re a contender built for the grind of championship football.

Oregon’s journey isn’t over; it’s only just beginning.