The 2026 Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech - Live Updates, Score, Predictions, and More
Welcome to The Athletic's live coverage of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff! Today, we bring you all the action from the Orange Bowl in Miami, where the No. 5 Oregon Ducks face off against the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders in a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup. With a spot in the CFP semifinals on the line, this game promises to be an exciting clash between two powerhouse teams.
The Teams:
- Oregon Ducks: Led by head coach Dan Lanning, Oregon enters the game with a strong offensive attack, boasting the 13th-best rushing offense in FBS and fifth-best in the Power 4, averaging 217.1 yards per game. Their depth at running back, with Noah Whittington, Jordon Davison, and Dierre Hill Jr., each surpassing 500 rushing yards this season, is a key strength.
- Texas Tech Red Raiders: Under the guidance of head coach Joey McGuire, Texas Tech has transformed into a defensive powerhouse. They lead the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 68.5 yards per game on the ground. The Red Raiders have also recorded impressive wins, including a 12-1 campaign in 2025, and are ranked No. 3 in both total defense and scoring defense in the FBS.
Key Players:
- Behren Morton (Texas Tech): A veteran quarterback who has been with the team since his commitment under a previous coaching staff. Morton has a 67.0 completion rate, 2,643 pass yards, and 22 touchdowns this season, leading the Red Raiders to an undefeated record as a starter.
- Dante Moore (Oregon): A talented quarterback who has proven effective in Oregon's balanced offense. Moore has a 72.4 completion percentage, 3,046 passing yards, and 28 touchdowns this season, showcasing his leadership and playmaking abilities.
The 'Danger Zone':
Despite their overall success, Texas Tech struggles in converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns. They rank 96th in the country in red zone touchdown percentage (56.2%), which has been particularly evident against their best opposition. This area of improvement will be crucial for the Red Raiders to secure a victory.
The Rise of Texas Tech:
Texas Tech has experienced a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Cody Campbell, a self-made oil billionaire and former offensive lineman under Mike Leach. The team's investment in the transfer portal has resulted in a dominant defense and an outright conference title in 2025, marking the program's first in 70 years.
The Battle of 'New Bloods':
This game pits two teams with significant financial backing against each other. Oregon, backed by megadonor Phil Knight, and Texas Tech, with the support of Cody Campbell, represent the new wave of college football powerhouses. Both programs are making their first Orange Bowl appearances, adding to the excitement and significance of this showdown.
Join the Conversation:
- Can Texas Tech's defense stifle Oregon's offense? Will Dante Moore declare for the NFL draft regardless of the game's outcome? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below or send us an email at live@theathletic.com. We'll feature some of your insights on our live coverage!
How to Watch:
The 2026 Orange Bowl between Oregon and Texas Tech will be broadcast by ESPN, kicking off at Noon ET. Don't miss this thrilling matchup as these teams battle for a spot in the CFP semifinals!
