The final spot in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals will be decided Saturday night when No. 5 Oregon hosts No. 12 James Madison in a matchup reminiscent of David vs. Goliath, concluding the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Oregon returns to the CFP for a second consecutive year under the guidance of fourth-year coach Dan Manning, finishing the regular season at 11-1. Supported financially by Nike founder Phil Knight, the Ducks feature a robust roster that has endured significant offensive injuries to clinch a prestigious home game.

James Madison, competing just three time zones away, enters the playoff as it transitions into the FBS level after only four seasons. With a 12-1 record, they secured their position in the playoff field as they became the fifth highest-ranked conference champion following a recent 31-14 victory against Troy in the Sun Belt Championship.

Despite the monumental challenge of facing one of college football’s elite teams, James Madison approaches the game with confidence. The Dukes previously scored 70 points in an away win against North Carolina last season and made a valiant effort at Louisville in Week 2 before ultimately falling short.

A win for James Madison would mark one of the most significant upsets in college football history, but they will need to outplay a talented Oregon squad to achieve it. The victor will proceed to face No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl on January 1.

Where to watch Oregon vs. James Madison live

Date: Saturday, Dec. 20 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Autzen Stadium – Eugene, Oregon
TV: TNT | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)

Oregon vs. James Madison: Need to know

Oregon’s hobbled receiver room: Oregon’s injured receiving corps is showing signs of recovery, with key players Gary Bryant Jr and Dakorien Moore participating in practice this week. Receiver Evan Stewart has yet to play this season due to a knee injury. While Bryant has been out since November 8, Moore last played on October 25. As a result, Oregon has turned to their depth chart, and quarterback Dante Moore has significantly relied on tight end Kenyon Sadiq. However, incoming reinforcements seem hopeful.

James Madison’s mobile threat: Alonza Barnett III has established a reputation as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks this season at James Madison, rushing for 14 touchdowns and accumulating 544 yards. No quarterback in the CFP has more rushing touchdowns except Jake Retzlaff, who recorded 16. Nevertheless, Barnett also excels in passing, presenting a formidable challenge to Oregon’s defense, who managed to thwart similarly skilled quarterback Demond Williams of Washington in their rivalry showdown.

Coaching exodus: Several key coaches in this match have already been announced as new head coaches for the 2026 season and are managing dual responsibilities during the playoffs. James Madison’s head coach Bob Chesney is heading to UCLA, while Oregon’s offensive coordinator Will Stein is set to take the reins at Kentucky and their defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi will move to Cal. Despite being pulled in multiple directions in the build-up to the CFP, all three are focused on their respective teams this Saturday.

“I would feel like a complete fraud if I left these guys throughout this playoff run and this opportunity in front of us to coach in Autzen another time,” Stein stated. “Honestly, it’d be crazy. Tosh feels the same. We’ve dedicated so much of our lives and our families’ time to this team and program. Coach Lanning provided an opportunity for me…so the last thing I’d ever do is leave these players.”

Oregon vs. James Madison: Prediction and Spread

After securing the first seed and a first-round bye in last year’s CFP only to lose 41-21 to Ohio State in the quarterfinals, Oregon is determined for redemption. With ample preparation and the chance to rehabilitate key injured players, the Ducks have no reason not to dominate. They outmatch James Madison in athleticism and skill across every position and enjoy the advantage of home field. Unless errors or self-inflicted setbacks derail them, Oregon should easily overcome a commendable JMU team facing a significant talent gap. Prediction: Oregon -20.5