The Orange Bowl showdown between the No. 5 Oregon Ducks (12-1) and No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1) is not only a matchup to see which team advances in the college football playoffs, but it is also a showcase of NFL talent on both sides of the ball.
When it comes to the 2026 NFL Draft, eyes will be on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore who is one of the top passers in the nation. With natural arm talent and poise in the pocket, the dynamic QB will be faced with a touch challenge defensively from Texas Tech, led by outstanding pass rusher David Bailey.
In a matchup that will be highly analyzed, the NFL talent on both teams, on both sides of the ball could impact draft stock and whether Moore declares of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Oregon Ducks vs Texas Tech Red Raiders game details: How to watch, betting odds
Date: Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 | Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: NBC | Live Stream: Fubo TV (try for free)
Odds: Oregon -2.5; over/under 110 (via DraftKings)
Orange Bowl 2026: Top 10 NFL Draft prospects to watch
Isaiah World, T, Oregon
When it comes to offensive tackles, Oregon’s Isaiah World is as massive as they come. Standing at 6-foot-8, 310 pounds, World is projected as one of the top tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his balance and physicality as a pass blocker. In this game, he will be challenged with keeping the Texas Tech defense from getting to Dante Moore. If he plays strong, his NFL draft stock will rise.
2026 NFL Draft projection: Late second-round, early third
Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Standing at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Jacob Rodriguez is a solid inside linebacker NFL teams should watch closely in this draft. The 2025 Chuck Bednarik Award winner is noted for his high football IQ on the field. Along with his pure instincts as a linebacker and speed, Rodriguez uses his knowledge as a former quarterback in his pre-snap recognition. Watch him in this game and his ability to confuse Dante Moore.
2026 NFL Draft projection: Second-third round pick
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
There’s a big drop off in the 2026 NFL Draft at the safety position once Caleb Downs is off the board. But a player teams will be watching is Dillon Thieneman who is a versatile defender with great range in coverage and effective when he drops down inside the box and defends the run. A highly productive safety with great tackling skills, Thieneman should be in position to make some plays in this game and solidify his draft stock.
2026 NFL Draft projection: Late first-round-early third
Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
NFL teams looking for an interior offensive lineman will want to keep their eyes on Emmanuel Pregnon. Standing at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, the Colorado native has been one of the top guards in the nation with a combination of power and size that has him already NFL-ready. A strong pass protector and solid in run blocking, Pregnon will further increase his NFL draft stock with a big performance in keeping the Texas Tech defense in check.
2026 NFL Draft projection: Second-late third
Matayo Uiagalelei, ED, Oregon
Texas Tech pass rushers aren’t the only ones to watch in this matchup. Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei presents a challenge for any offense line. Although he has recorded just 5 sacks in 2025, the 6-foot-5, 272-pound edge rusher is noted as a potential first round pick due to his athleticism, quickness and run defense. Teams drafted near the end of the first round should have Uiagalelei high on their radar.
2026 NFL Draft projection: Late first-early second
Romello Height, ED, Texas Tech
Aside from David Bailey, Texas Tech edge Romello Height has the skills to shine bright in the big spotlight, especially when it comes to making the pocket uncomfortable for Moore. Explosive off the edge with quick hands, Height has been a menace for offensive lines throughout the 2025 season recording 9 sacks on the season. Can he get one on Moore in this matchup?
2026 NFL Draft projection: Late first-early second
A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
When it comes to the interior of the defensive line, A’Mauri Washington is an unmovable object at 6-foot-3, 330 pounds. Athletic for his size, Washington is not only disruptive against the run, but he also has the quickness to collapse the pocket and get after the passer. As a middle of the line defender, doesn’t get much better than Washington in this draft.
2026 NFL Draft projection: Late first-early second
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
A big target and unique athlete in the open field, Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq already garnered draft buzz leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft. With his 42 catches for 509 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, he has only heightened that draft buzz and is an offensive player sever NFL scouts will have their eyes on as a top 20 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft. In going up against a tough Texas Tech defense, Sadiq will see that draft stock rise if he puts together a big game.
2026 NFL Draft projection: First round – top 20
David Bailey, ED, Texas Tech
As one of the top edge rushers in the draft, all eyes will be on David Bailey in this Orange Bowl matchup, especially when it comes to Dante Moore. Will he be able to get consistent pressure on one of the top QB prospects in the nature? To slow Oregon down, the duo of Bailey and Height will need to play up to expectations and perhaps beyond to solidify Texas Tech as a series contender for the national championship and perhaps catapult Bailey into a top 10 pick.
2026 NFL Draft projection: First round – top 15
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Dante Moore’s future at Oregon may depend on this game. If Oregon losses and Moore doesn’t look good, he probably returns for another season. If he leads Oregon past Texas Tech and eventually a national championship, Moore probably enters the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the top two QBs in the draft. NFL scouts for teams clamoring for a QB will already have their eyes on this game, but how great or poor Moore looks may be the difference between him staying or entering the draft.
2026 NFL Draft projection: First round – top 5