Oregon vs. Washington — Pacific Border War turns 125 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Oregon-Washington rivalry is defined by innovation and Pacific Northwest pride.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFirst played in 1900, the "Border War" nickname plays into the stateline competitiveness, which was amplified during the Pac-12 championship years. Both programs have played at a high level over the past decade and each have an appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Washington’s quarterback pipeline, historically highlighted by Warren Moon and Michael Penix Jr., often tries to keep up with Oregon’s flashy offenses built around speed and spacing. This is a standard carried over by Dan Lanning for the Ducks. The coach on everyone's hot board isn't going anywhere after rumors linked him to both top-tier SEC openings at LSU and Florida.
One the other side, Jedd Fisch's transition from Arizona has been decent at 8-3 thus far in 2025. His Huskies will look to upset the Ducks, who are one win away from locking down a repeat trip to the Playoff.
Husky Stadium’s water-front setting will test Oregon’s composure in this one. Conference implications are also on the line as well. While Big Ten realignment awaits in future seasons, the rivalry’s identity and emotional investment remains the enduring storyline.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNo. 6 Oregon heads up I-5 to meet Washington on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS).
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