The rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State has never lacked intensity, and this week continued the tradition of sharp words exchanged ahead of their annual matchup.
Oregon linebacker Jerry Mixon ignited the conversation Tuesday by labeling the Beavers as “little bros” in the state showdown.
“It’s a big rivalry game. Everybody pop out in Oregon. Just from being here, that they’re our little bros, and we go out there and kick their a**,” Mixon told reporters.
Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy, a junior transfer from Duke, addressed Mixon’s comments the same day but chose a different tone. Instead of matching fire with fire, Murphy emphasized preparation over talk.
“I love it. You know, competitive spirit. I don’t really focus on the talk or anything like that, other guys, media. I’m just focused on the team and whatever we do in practice and how we can prepare to get better and go out there and put our best foot forward,” Murphy said.
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The calm response stood in contrast to the typical back-and-forth the two programs have shared along the Interstate 5 corridor for more than a century.
Mixon, a San Francisco native, has already played in two rivalry games with the Ducks, helping secure wins in Eugene in 2023 by a 31-7 margin and in Corvallis in 2024 with a 49-14 result.
Lanning highlights the meaning of the rivalry for Oregon players
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning noted how much the matchup resonates within the program, particularly for players with local ties.
“The game means a lot to me, regardless, but hearing our players talk about it, hearing former players like Ryan Walk [current offensive line graduate assistant and Eugene, Oregon native] talk about this game like that, it definitely makes me want to go out there and execute at a high level, you know? And Bryce [Boettcher, linebacker and Eugene, Oregon native] is certainly one of those games that it means a lot to,” Lanning said.
Boettcher echoed that passion.
“I’m going to enjoy this one and come Saturday I’m bringing it my all. I’d like to play OSU every single year for the rest of my life. You know it’s a good, it wakes you up. I’m excited every week to play football but this one definitely gets you up for sure,” he said.
This season’s contest carries added weight, as the two programs are not scheduled to meet again until 2027. Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens explained the gap stems from the school’s scheduling needs in 2026.
The Ducks and Beavers have agreed to extend the rivalry for six years starting in 2027, keeping one of college football’s longest-running series alive. Oregon will host Oregon State at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. PT.