Oregon is breaking out another one-of-a-kind look this season, and this one’s a tribute to one of Eugene’s most iconic cultural ties.
The No. 8 Ducks will wear "Grateful Duck" themed uniforms Saturday when they host Wisconsin in a must-win Big Ten matchup at Autzen Stadium. With their championship and College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Oregon will look to stay alive in style.
The tribute uniforms to Greatful Dead features black jerseys with green and yellow tie-dye numbers, matching the swirling tie-dye “O” logo on the helmets. Inside the collar and along the helmet bumper, Oregon added the Grateful Dead’s famous “dancing bears,” connecting the look to the band’s deep history with the city of Eugene.
The Ducks also plan a full “tie-dye out” of Autzen Stadium, encouraging fans to flood the stands in multi-color patterns to celebrate. Oregon announced in July that the game would honor the relationship between the school and the legendary band, which played 10 concerts at Autzen between 1974 and 1994.
The tribute goes beyond the field. Oregon and Nike partnered with the Grateful Dead to produce a new line of official merchandise, including “Grateful Ducks” apparel and collectibles featuring mashups of the Oregon Duck mascot and classic Dead imagery. Designs were created by longtime Grateful Dead artist Shawn Kenney.
Adding to the buzz, leaked photos earlier this month revealed a Grateful Dead x Nike x Oregon Ducks sneaker collaboration with the “Grateful Ducks” Air Max 90s.
I know everyone is tripping out right now about the Oregon Grateful Dead collab, but let's not lose focus on the fact that Nike is dropping a Grateful Dead x Oregon Ducks Nike Air Max 90 shoe on Thursday. Pic.twitter.com/ctPQqqmZUy
— brandon wenerd (@brandonwenerd) October 20, 2025
On the field, Oregon (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) can’t afford another stumble after dropping a home game to Indiana earlier this month. With Ohio State and Indiana both undefeated in conference play, a second league loss could knock the Ducks out of Big Ten title contention.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin is desperate for a win. The Badgers (2-5, 0-4 Big Ten) have lost five straight, including consecutive home shutouts to Iowa and Ohio State. It has added to questions about head coach Luke Fickell’s future in Madison.
If the Ducks perform as well as they look, Saturday’s game could turn into a quality win for Dan Lanning's program.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Was Adidas behind James Franklin's firing? Penn State breaks silence on rumor
- Brian Kelly buyout, contract details as LSU Tigers coach
- Indiana coach Curt Cignetti's salary bump of 2,729% in four years is insane
- Paul Finebaum tells Dabo Swinney 'Time is up' at Clemson