As the first season of Big Ten basketball began for the Oregon Ducks, the team entered uncharted territory with a schedule packed with tougher competition than ever before. Moving to the Big Ten marked a significant shift for the program, bringing new rivals, higher stakes and a spotlight on their ability to compete nationally.
With four games against ranked opponents in their first 15 matchups — compared to only one last season — this transition has tested the Ducks early and often.
Despite the challenges, the Ducks have risen to the occasion, posting an impressive 15-2 record and climbing to #15 in the national rankings. Key wins over #5 Alabama and #10 Texas A&M have showcased their resilience and ability to compete with top-tier teams. These victories not only reflect the Ducks’ talent, but also their preparedness for the elevated level of play in the Big Ten.
This shift to the Big Ten is exciting for the Ducks, who had always stood out in the Pac-12 as a particularly successful program. The Big Ten, with longstanding powerhouses like Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana and Purdue, has perennially contained national title contenders. With the Ducks thrown into the mix, the conference title will be even more hotly contested than in previous years.
Guiding the Ducks through this transition is veteran coach Dana Altman, who is now in his fifteenth season at Oregon. Altman has led the Ducks to several successful campaigns, including eight NCAA Tournament appearances, four conference championships and a Final Four in 2017. His ability to adapt and prepare his teams for high-pressure games has been critical this season. Before joining Oregon, Altman built a winning program at Creighton, establishing his reputation as one of college basketball’s most reliable coaches.
The Ducks’ 2025 roster has several players who’ve stepped up to lead the team through a successful first half of the season. West Linn High School graduate Jackson Shelstad has made a huge impact on the team, even as he is only in sophomore year at Oregon. Another one of the team’s most prominent players is senior Nate Bittle, who came back strong after missing most of the season last year.
The Ducks’ next matchup is against #17 Purdue on Saturday, January 18th. Winning this game would likely push the Ducks into a top-10 ranking, and winning another conference game would move them closer to being Big Ten basketball champions this season.
