The No. 23 Ducks erased a 14-point deficit and scored 38 unanswered points to defeat No. 12 Ohio State in Columbus, with a daring fake punt helping turn the game around.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning praised his players for refusing to give up after the No. 23 Ducks overcame an early 14-point deficit to defeat No. 12 Ohio State 41-28 on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The victory at Ohio Stadium in Columbus marked another important step in Oregon’s recovery from a difficult stretch of the college football season.
The Ducks fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter before scoring 38 consecutive points to take control of the game. Oregon improved to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in Big Ten Conference play, while Ohio State dropped to the same record after suffering its second consecutive loss.
Lanning credited his players for remaining focused despite falling behind in front of 103,551 spectators. Speaking after the game, he said Oregon had developed confidence from facing setbacks throughout the season.
The coach offered an unusual description of his team’s persistence.
“We’re like cockroaches, man. We won’t die.”
Lanning explained that his players had been tested by injuries, disappointing results and changes to the coaching staff. Rather than allowing those problems to define their season, he said the Ducks continued concentrating on their preparation and execution.
Oregon Recovers From Early Ohio State Lead
Ohio State began the game strongly, scoring twice in the first quarter behind running back Bo Jackson. He opened the scoring with a 16-yard touchdown run before adding another from eight yards to give the Buckeyes a 14-0 advantage.
Oregon initially struggled to establish its offense against Ohio State’s defense. The Ducks had difficulty sustaining drives, while the Buckeyes appeared comfortable controlling the pace of the game.
Gage Hurych’s 33-yard field goal early in the second quarter finally put Oregon on the scoreboard. The Ducks still trailed by 11 points and needed a significant play to change the momentum.
That opportunity arrived when Lanning authorized a fake punt deep in Oregon territory. Facing fourth-and-9, linebacker Teitum Tuioti received the snap and completed a 30-yard pass to fellow linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei.
The play carried Oregon to the Ohio State 39-yard line and kept the possession alive. Six plays later, running back Dierre Hill Jr. scored on a nine-yard run, cutting the deficit to 14-10.
The Ducks then created another opportunity when freshman defensive back Devin Jackson intercepted Ohio State quarterback Luke Fahey. Oregon capitalized before halftime, with tight end Jamari Johnson scoring on a two-yard run as time expired.
The touchdown gave Oregon a 17-14 halftime lead after the Ducks had appeared in trouble for much of the opening quarter. It also established the momentum that carried into the second half.
Lanning Explains the Risky Fake Punt
The fake punt became one of the game’s defining moments. Lanning acknowledged afterward that the decision would have attracted criticism if the play had failed.
According to On3, the Oregon coach explained that his staff had noticed something in Ohio State’s punt coverage that created an opportunity. The Ducks had practiced the play and believed the defense would leave enough space for the pass.
Lanning said the coaching staff had confidence in the preparation behind the decision. He also recognized that taking such a risk in Oregon’s own territory carried serious consequences.
The successful conversion allowed Oregon to continue its drive and helped the offense establish a rhythm. Lanning later said that avoiding opportunities like the fake punt could have left him regretting his decisions on the flight home.
The coach also pointed to the importance of taking calculated chances on fourth down. He believed Oregon needed an aggressive approach against a talented Ohio State team.
The decision reflected Lanning’s willingness to trust his players in difficult situations. Tuioti and Uiagalelei, both known primarily for their defensive contributions, executed a passing play that became central to Oregon’s comeback.
Dylan Raiola and Dierre Hill Lead the Offense
Oregon continued its strong performance after halftime, with Hill breaking free for a 48-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. The score extended the Ducks’ lead to 24-14 and increased the pressure on Ohio State.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola later connected with Dakorien Moore on an 11-yard touchdown pass, making the score 31-14. Oregon’s offense continued producing opportunities while its defense prevented Ohio State from regaining control.
Raiola finished the game completing 25 of 40 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Hill led Oregon’s rushing attack with 75 yards, including two touchdowns.
The Ducks added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Raiola connected with Brandon Smith on a 15-yard pass. The score gave Oregon a commanding 38-14 advantage.
Ohio State eventually responded with two late touchdowns. Jeremiah Smith caught a 13-yard pass from Fahey, while Nate Roberts added a 15-yard touchdown reception with 44 seconds remaining.
Hurych also converted a 40-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to complete Oregon’s scoring. The final score was 41-28, ending a game in which the Ducks had controlled most of the final three quarters.
Coaching Changes Help Oregon Find Its Rhythm
Oregon’s victory followed several weeks of uncertainty surrounding its offense. Starting quarterback Dante Moore suffered a season-ending concussion during the team’s September game against USC, forcing the Ducks to adjust their offensive approach.
Raiola eventually assumed a larger role, but Oregon struggled to produce consistent results. Losses to UCLA and Illinois raised questions about the offense and the team’s ability to compete against stronger conference opponents.
Following a 21-10 defeat to Illinois on October 24, Lanning dismissed offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer. Assistant quarterbacks coach Jay Johnson took over offensive play-calling duties as Oregon attempted to improve its performance.
The change produced encouraging results against Northwestern before the Ducks traveled to Columbus. Oregon defeated Northwestern 34-26 on October 31, setting up its opportunity against Ohio State.
Lanning praised Johnson’s communication with Raiola and his ability to build confidence within the offense. He said the team successfully executed several plays that had been practiced repeatedly during the week.
The coach also recognized Raiola’s development following difficult moments earlier in the season. He described how the quarterback had studied Ohio State’s defense and demonstrated an improved ability to recognize coverages during preparation.
Lanning said Johnson deserved consideration for the permanent offensive coordinator position. However, he did not announce a final decision about the job following Saturday’s victory.
Ohio State Struggles Despite Jeremiah Smith’s Performance
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was one of the Buckeyes’ strongest performers, finishing with seven receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. His performance included several important catches even as Oregon took control of the game.
Smith’s touchdown reception also tied a major program achievement. Ohio State reported that his 41 career touchdown catches matched the record for the most through a player’s first three collegiate seasons.
Lanning acknowledged Smith’s talent during his postgame comments. He said Oregon had given up some unnecessary opportunities while also recognizing the receiver’s ability to make difficult plays.
Fahey completed 36 of 50 passes for 360 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Despite those numbers, Ohio State struggled to finish drives during the middle portion of the game.
The Buckeyes failed to score in either the second or third quarter. Oregon’s defense repeatedly disrupted possessions and forced Ohio State into difficult situations.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledged the importance of the fake punt, saying the Buckeyes had an opportunity to stop Oregon’s drive before the play succeeded. The missed opportunity allowed the Ducks to remain on the field and eventually score.
Oregon Awaits Injury Update on Teitum Tuioti
Oregon’s victory also brought concern over Tuioti, who left the game late after appearing to suffer an injury. The linebacker had already contributed one of the afternoon’s biggest plays with his successful fake-punt pass.
Lanning said he did not have an immediate medical update after the game. He indicated that the coaching staff would wait for further information before determining Tuioti’s condition.
The uncertainty is important for Oregon because Tuioti has been a productive member of the defense throughout the season. His status could affect the team’s preparations for its remaining Big Ten games.
The Ducks are scheduled to return home to face Michigan on Saturday, November 14, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. Ohio State will host Northwestern on the same day.
Oregon’s victory was its second consecutive win and its third triumph in its past four meetings with Ohio State. After entering November with three losses and significant offensive questions, the Ducks have regained momentum with another important conference game approaching.
For Lanning, Saturday’s performance demonstrated that his players could recover from a difficult start without abandoning their approach. The next challenge will be maintaining that consistency against Michigan while awaiting news about Tuioti’s availability.
IMAGE: SAN DIEGO (Dec. 26) Capt. Amy N Bauernschmidt, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) speaks to Dan Lanning, head coach for the University of Oregon football team during an open ship tour day prior to the 2022 Holiday Bowl. Abraham Lincoln is currently moored at Naval Air Station North Island. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joel A. Mundo). Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joel A. Mundo / Wikimedia, taken 2022-12-25, Public domain