The Oregon Ducks have some lofty expectations entering the 2026 season. With several returners including a mostly-veteran defense, exciting newcomers, and the sting of the two previous seasons ending in College Football Playoff heartbreak, the pressure is on to return in 2026 with some fury.As Duck fans wait to see their favorite team in action at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 5 to kick off the season against Boise State, here's some other dates to keep in mind while gearing up for the gridiron to return.Oregon defensive lineman Aydin Breland, center, leads the team out of the tunnel during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesCollege Football Playoff Dates for Fans to KnowThe biggest (and soonest) dates to know for fans surround the College Football Playoff. Since the inclusion of a 12-team bracket in 2024, the Ducks have appeared in both post-season runs to various degrees of success (a 41-21 Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State in 2025 after a bye, and a 56-22 Peach Bowl semifinal loss in 2026 after a 51-34 first round victory against James Madison and a 23-0 Orange Bowl victory against Texas Tech.)On Monday, June 1, the College Football Playoff broadcast schedule will release live on ESPN, giving fans a better idea of what to expect when it comes to post season play. As is typical tradition, it wouldn't be surprising if a majority of the quarterfinal bowls end up happening on the first of the year, with last seasons' Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Cotton Bowl doing just that.Speaking of bowls, the College Football Bowl Schedule is set to release two days later on June 3, also via ESPN.Oregon’s Hudson Lewis, and Dakorien Moore celebrate a fourth-quarter touchdown for Combat Ducks during the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene April 25, 2026 | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesConference Championship DatesOregon did not make the Big Ten Championship last year with the then No. 2 ranked Indiana Hoosiers winning 13-10 over the then No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.Friday, Dec. 4Sun Belt Championship Game (TBA Campus) – 4p.m. PT on ESPNBig 12 Championship Game (Arlington) – 5p.m. PT on ABCPac-12 Championship Game (TBA Campus) - 5p.m. PT on CBS / ParamountMountain West Championship Game (TBA Campus) - 6p.m. PT on FOXSaturday, Dec. 5ACC Championship Game (Charlotte) – 9a.m. PT on ABCMAC Championship Game (Detroit) – 9a.m. PT on ESPNSWAC Championship Game (TBA Campus) – 11a.m. PT on ESPN2SEC Championship Game (Atlanta) – 1p.m. PT on ABCAmerican Championship Game (TBA Campus) – 5p.m. PT on ABCBig Ten Championship Game (Indianapolis) - 5p.m. PT on FOXThe Oregon Duck makes his appearance before the Oregon Spring Game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene April 25, 2026 | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesOregon's 2026 Football ScheduleOn May 27, the Ducks made an announcement about several of their game times. At the end of May, this is the current kick-off schedule for Oregon.Sept. 5: Home vs. Boise State - 12:30p.m. PT on CBSSept. 12: Away vs. Oklahoma State - 9a.m. PT on ESPNSept. 18 (Friday game): Home vs. Portland State - 7:30p.m. PT on the Big Ten NetworkSept. 26: Away vs. USC - TBDOct. 10: Home vs. UCLA - TBDOct. 17: Home vs. Nebraska - TBDOct. 24: Away vs. Illinois - TBDOct. 31: Home vs. Northwestern - No later than 5p.m. (TBD on broadcast)Nov. 7: Away vs. Ohio State - TBDNov. 14: Home vs. Michigan - TBDNov. 20 (Friday Game): Away vs. Michigan State - 5p.m. PT on FOXNov. 28: Home vs. Washington - TBDSign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow