#1: BEAVER STADIUM, STATE COLLEGE, PA: OREGON AT PENN STATE SEPT. 27

There may not be a better setting in college football than when the Ducks step into their first major challenge of 2025 as they travel out east to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions have made Beaver Stadium a fortress under James Franklin and Happy Valley holds the second-largest capacity of any college football stadium in the country (106,572) — only behind the Big House in Ann Arbor, Mich., where the Ducks took home a victory last season. Penn State’s historic marvel in State College has become renowned for the famous “white-out” game where the stadium is decked out in white for the Nittany Lions’ most important night game of the season. Unfortunately for Oregon, it will be 2025’s version of this phenomenon, as each of the teams will likely be ranked in the top-10 at that point.

#2: HUSKY STADIUM, SEATTLE, WASH: OREGON AT WASHINGTON NOV. 29

While it’s often easy to scoff at anything purple and gold considering the rivalry between the Huskies and Ducks, it’s important to note that Washington’s stadium is actually quite pretty. Husky Stadium can get very loud, which was something that the Ducks contended with in their last visit — remember Camden Lewis’ field goal? Washington is often, aptly, applauded for the picturesque views and setting around the stadium. The shorter stands on the east side of the stadium allow for incredible views of both the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the rest of the Cascade Range on a clear day. Husky Stadium is always a test for Oregon, but this year, the Huskies look for vengeance after getting blown out in Autzen Stadium last season.

#3: KINNICK STADIUM, IOWA CITY, IOWA: OREGON AT IOWA NOV. 8

The Ducks have played in Iowa City just twice in their history, but Kinnick Stadium has played host to one of the sports’ most important traditions: the wave. After the first quarter at every home game, the Iowa fans, which is usually a sellout crowd of 69,250 people, turn around and wave to the families at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital overlooking the stadium. Compared to the two spots above, it isn’t quite the architectural marvel, but Kinnick makes up for it with the crowd noise. The Iowans get loud for their Hawkeyes, which can come into play for the Ducks’ second-to-last road trip of the season.

#4: SHI STADIUM, PISCATAWAY, N.J.: OREGON AT RUTGERS OCT. 18

The Scarlet Knights can claim the title of being the first college football team. In fact, the first ever college football game, a Rutgers 6-4 win over what is now Princeton University, happened on Rutgers’ campus. That being said, the Scarlet Knights have become a Big Ten bottom feeder in their 21 seasons at SHI Stadium. The stadium holds 52,454 people, which is impressive given it’s one tier on each of the endzones and second tier seating along each of the sidelines. It feels much more disconnected from the game than the other stadiums, which is due to the awkward spacing between the stands and the field. From my experience being on the sidelines at Autzen, the intimacy created by the fans being close adds layers to the atmosphere that teams like Rutgers often struggle to create.

#5: MARTIN STADIUM, EVANSTON ILL: OREGON AT NORTHWESTERN SEPT. 13

This one had to come last, unfortunately. Northwestern’s historic Ryan Field would have generated more discussion about being higher on the list, but it is currently under major renovations. The Wildcats will play five of their home games this season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, which has become an emergency host for the football team, along with the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field. They added bleachers to create more of an atmosphere for the football team before the 2024 season. The only bonus is the beautiful view of Lake Michigan, as it’s positioned right on the shore, but that’s really it.