Photo By John Hughel | Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard,...... read more read more
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The Oregon National Guard teamed up with other military branches at the University of Oregon’s annual Spring Football game, transforming Autzen Stadium into a vibrant celebration on April 25, 2026. This tradition brought the community together to honor military members, veterans, and their families connected to Oregon.
Under clear blue skies and temperatures in the mid-60s, fans spent time with service members and got a preview of the Ducks’ upcoming NCAA football season. As the teams played, tributes around the stadium honored those who have served the nation, state, and local community.
Prior to the start of the game, head football Coach Dan Lanning told reporters that “The Spring Game is a great opportunity to celebrate our military as well as some of our other sports, with baseball and softball playing in the afternoon.” Lanning was on the field throughout the game, watching and coordinating with staff in the press boxes.
Just before kickoff, service members, veterans, families, and local first responders unfurled a massive American flag across the field. The crowd of over 40,000 roared as Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Ben Pasi delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Overhead, two F-15 Eagles from Portland’s 142nd Wing soared in a thunderous flyover. No Oregon Football game would be complete without the Oregon Duck revving onto the field atop a green motorcycle, flags waving, and cheerleaders igniting the celebration.
Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, performed the ceremonial coin flip to start the game, using his own ‘TAG Challenge Coin’ for the kickoff ritual.
The Combat Ducks included quarterbacks Dante Moore, the returning starter, and redshirt freshman Mark Weipert. The Fighting Ducks had transferred quarterback Dylan Raiola from Nebraska and sophomore Brock Thomas, who was previously a backup. Many professional scouts consider Moore to be a first-round draft choice in next year’s NFL draft.
In a back-and-forth game, the two teams battled neck and neck, offering fans an exciting glimpse of rising talent vying for coveted roster spots and minutes in the fall. Last season, the Ducks dropped just two games, both hard-fought losses to Big 10 rival Indiana University as they marched toward the National Championship.
Throughout the afternoon, military families and local veterans were recognized. At halftime, recruits, along with current service members extending their service commitments, took the Oath of Enlistment, administered by Brig. Gen. Gronewold.
The traditional post-game T-shirt exchange between service members and members of the football team closed out the afternoon, which saw the “Combat Ducks” score a touchdown with just 20 seconds left on the clock, beating the “Fighting Ducks” 17-10.
At the conclusion of the contest, over 125 members of the University of Oregon Football team lined one side of the field, then met at midfield with another 125 service members from ning the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard, and ROTC students, all taking part in the coveted gift exchange, as they traded memorabilia, creating time for lively conversations, handshakes, and plenty of selfies.
Each year, the spring game offers the community an affordable way to cheer on one of the nation’s top college football teams. It is a lively invitation for families to join the excitement and, after the final whistle, to wander the iconic Autzen Stadium field together.
Commenting to reporters after the game, coach Lanning said it’s good to see the team ready to compete.
“There’s nothing like game day experience; we get to have that here, because our fans are unbelievable,” Lanning said, describing his approach to the Spring Game, which allows each player to take on various responsibilities as they learn and compete on the field. “In doing so, they gain an understanding of everyone’s contributions and recognize the importance of each of their roles in successfully working towards our team's goals.”
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 04.26.2026 02:23 |
| Story ID: | 563602 |
| Location: | EUGENE, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 141 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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