Why is Oregon vs. Oregon State this week? Explaining 2024 schedule for college football rivalry

One of college football's most historic rivalries is taking place earlier than usual this year.

Oregon and Oregon State have met a total of 127 times as longtime Pac-12 rivals. Nearly every one of those games came in either November or December when the college football regular season is nearing its close. 

In Week 3 of the 2024 season, though, the No. 9 Ducks and the Beavers will play their annual meeting in September.

Here are the details on why the rivalry game is being played so much earlier than usual, a glimpse at the history of the Oregon vs. Oregon State matchup, and each team's 2024 schedule.

Why are Oregon and Oregon State playing so early?

Oregon vs. Oregon State is happening so early in 2024 because Oregon joined the Big Ten this season. Conference realignment threw a wrench in some usual scheduling plans, and this matchup was one of them.

While Oregon joined its new conference, Oregon State remained in what's left of the Pac-12. This season, that includes only the Beavers and Washington State. However, as of Thursday, there will be four new teams joining the Pac-12 in 2026.

Because Oregon vs. Oregon State is now a non-conference matchup, it got moved up to September. Across college football, in-conference games are almost always reserved for the later portions of the season while non-conference games are played in the early weeks.

Even through realignment, both programs made sure to keep this historic rivalry alive, and they'll meet early once again in 2025.

The timing of the game is a massive change though, as Saturday's contest will be just the third of 128 total games between Oregon and Oregon State that took place before November.

MORE: Which two schools will Pac-12 target next?

Oregon vs. Oregon State matchup history

The Ducks vs. Beavers matchup used to be referred to as the "Civil War" game from 1929-2020, but that ended after the universities mutually agreed to stop using the term. The rivalry hasn't had a specific name since.

The first Oregon vs. Oregon State game was played in 1894, and the Ducks lead the all-time series 68-49-10. Last season, then-No. 6 Oregon beat Oregon State 31-7 on November 24. However, the Beavers were victorious in 2022, squeaking out a 38-34 win. 

Following Oregon's move to the Big Ten, the schools agreed in December 2023 to play two more games — Saturday's game at Oregon State's Reser Stadium and a meeting in Oregon's Autzen Stadium in 2025, per The Register-Guard. However, the rivalry matchup isn't guaranteed after next season.

There have been countless memorable moments between the Ducks and Beavers over 130 years, including 0-0 ties, upset wins, and one top-10 matchup in 2000. 

Oregon 2024 schedule

Now a member of the Big Ten, here's a look at Oregon's schedule this season.

Oregon State 2024 schedule

Here's a look at Oregon State's schedule this season after its 2-0 start.