Oregon alumni dominate NFL Christmas Day 2026 schedule

The 2026 NFL Christmas Day fixture list reveals a substantial concentration of former University of Oregon players across the league’s marquee matchups. According to data released by the league, at least one former Duck is signed to 25 of the 32 NFL teams, ensuring broad representation throughout the season. However, the December 25 slate offers a particularly dense cluster of alumni talent, spanning three distinct games that feature young former Ducks taking the field on a national stage.

The day’s proceedings begin with the Green Bay Packers hosting the Chicago Bears, a contest that places the Packers’ defensive line and secondary in the spotlight. The Bears’ roster includes safety Dillon Thieneman, linebacker Noah Sewell, and cornerback Dontae Manning. Thieneman, a 2026 first-round selection, is expected to be a pivotal figure after excelling during his lone season at Oregon, where he established himself as a top-ranked transfer portal safety. Opposing them, the Packers feature safety Evan Williams and defensive tackle Jordon Riley, both of whom are also former Ducks.

In the afternoon, the Buffalo Bills face the Denver Broncos in what serves as a rematch of the previous season’s AFC Divisional playoff encounter. The Broncos’ offensive unit is led by quarterback Bo Nix, who is entering his third season under head coach Sean Payton. Nix, who previously played at Oregon, is projected to show further progression following a strong second year in the league. He is supported on the offensive line by centre Alex Forsyth and offensive guard Calvin Throckmorton, while wide receiver Troy Franklin provides receiving options. Additionally, long snapper Luke Basso has been signed to the Broncos’ practice squad as an undrafted free agent.

The Christmas Day slate concludes with the Los Angeles Rams hosting the Seattle Seahawks, a fixture that doubles as a rematch of the NFC Championship game held in January. The Rams’ attack features tight end Terrance Ferguson, who is anticipated to see an increase in targets for the 2026 season. Ferguson caught 11 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns last season, and his big-framed, athletic profile suggests a potential breakout year if given more opportunities within the offence.

The prominence of Oregon alumni on this specific date underscores the university’s continued pipeline into professional football. While every weekend on the 2026 schedule features former Ducks in action, the Christmas Day games offer a concentrated view of this talent across multiple teams and positions. The fixture list, which was leaked by NFL’s Dov Kleiman on May 14, 2026, and officially released on Thursday, confirms that the festive day will serve as a showcase for the next generation of players emerging from Eugene.