The rivalry between the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers is one steeped in College Football history. The first meeting dates back to 1894, which makes it one of the oldest rivalries in the sport, but the rivalry has endured a recent name change.
The game, formally known as “Civil War,” is one of the great rivalries in American sports and has been a mainstay on the sporting calendar.
What is Oregon vs. Oregon State Rivalry Now Named?
In the historic game, there have been a total of 126 meetings between Oregon and Oregon State, with the game being played every year except in 1900, 1901, 1911, 1943, and 1944. The Ducks lead the all-time series with 67 to Oregon State’s 49. There have also been 10 ties.
If they’re to play in 2024, it will see the rivals compete in separate conferences, with Oregon moving from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. As such, the future of this historic matchup is in doubt. OregonLive reported in early Nov. 2023 that both schools are in talks about whether the fixture can be played moving forward.
Still, the Oregon 2024 Schedule has no scheduled game with the Beavers on it.
With such a historic rivalry competed over such a long period came a nickname, but what is the rivalry name now called?
Currently, the rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State has no official nickname, simply being referred to as the unimaginative “Oregon-Oregon State Rivalry Game.”
The game had previously been referred to as “Civil War,” but both schools chose to abandon the name back in 2020.
Since then, a search has gone on to find a new name for the historic rivalry, but no advancement seems to have been made since the announcement three years ago. And, with the future of the game uncertain, there seems to be little sign of movement.
Why Is The Rivalry No Longer Called Civil War?
The rivalry had been referred to as “Civil War” since the 1930s and had been called the “Oregon Classic” and “State Championship Game” prior. The then-Oregon head coach John McEwan named the rivalry “Civil War” in the early ‘30s, due to the fierce rivalry between the two in-state schools in multiple college sports.
However, the game is no longer referred to as “Civil War” due to historical and racial connotations.
Both schools had this to say about why the decision was taken.
Oregon State President Ed Ray said, “Changing this name is overdue, as it represents a connection to a war fought to perpetuate slavery. While not intended as reference to the actual Civil War, OSU sports competition should not provide any misconstrued reference to this divisive episode in American history.”
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Going further as to why the decision was taken, Ed Ray went on, “In recent years, some students, faculty, alumni, student-athletes, Oregon State stakeholders, and community members have questioned the appropriateness of this term. That we did not act before to change the name was a mistake. We do so now, along with other important actions to advance equal opportunity and justice for all and in recognition that Black Lives Matter.”
While Rob Mullens, Director of Athletics at Oregon, claimed, “We must all recognize the power of words and the symbolism associated with the Civil War. This mutual decision is in the best interests of both schools.”
The President of the University of Oregon, Michael Schill, said, “While the name of our annual game might change, it will absolutely continue to be one of the great rivalries in college sports.”