Imagine this: Your family's allegiances are about to collide in a college football showdown you never thought possible! That's the reality for the Adkisson family of Oregon, whose alma mater loyalties are about to be put to the ultimate test.
This story, published on December 20, 2025, by James Crepea of The Oregonian/OregonLive, dives into the unexpected matchup between the Oregon Ducks, where Derek Adkisson graduated, and James Madison University (JMU), Hailey Adkisson's alma mater.
It all started a couple of years ago when Nolan Adkisson innocently asked his mother, Hailey, what she'd do if JMU played Oregon. Her response? "I go, well that doesn’t happen. Not in a million years. We don’t have to worry about that." But here's where it gets controversial...
Fast forward to the present. The Adkissons, despite regularly watching Oregon games, weren't intensely following the playoff picture until JMU clinched the Sun Belt Championship and benefited from a Duke upset. When the 12-team playoff field was announced on December 7th, Derek started receiving a flurry of texts from friends, all with the same message: "This is going to be an interesting game for your family."
The improbable first-round College Football Playoff matchup between the No. 5 Ducks and No. 12 seed Dukes has turned the Adkissons' Salem home into a house divided. While Hailey and Derek would love to be at Autzen Stadium, a pre-planned trip to Sun River means they'll be watching from afar.
Hailey, already embracing her JMU spirit, is planning to wear her purple sweatshirt proudly, even if she's outnumbered by Duck fans. She graduated from JMU in 2009, when the then-FCS powerhouse played in a stadium that held under 14,000 people. Now, with expansions, it holds over 24,000 with more plans in the near future.
Derek, a 2007 Oregon grad, took their son Nolan to a spring game this year, sparking a love for the Ducks. Nolan, it seems, might be the most conflicted family member. Derek plans to don his Marcus Mariota jersey and dress the kids in Duck attire, hoping to outnumber Hailey.
The family banter and trash talk, which has been ongoing for the past two weeks, is expected to continue on their car ride and into the evening. Hailey, ever the competitor, is looking forward to the game, even if JMU is the underdog. She says, “Even though it’ll be a longshot if JMU wins, I’m going to get a lot of enjoyment being competitive against my husband.”
The crucial details:
- Matchup: No. 12 James Madison (12-1) vs. No. 5 Oregon (11-1)
- Date: Saturday, December 20
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
- Location: Autzen Stadium
- TV: TNT/HBO Max
- Streaming: DIRECTV (free trial) or Sling (a Sling day pass to watch this game and more is just $4.99). Streaming broadcasts for this game will be available on these streaming services locally in Oregon and Washington, but may not be available outside of the Pacific Northwest, depending on your location.
What do you think? Will family loyalties hold, or will the Ducks or Dukes come out on top? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
