The world of college football is reeling after the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent activist and media personality, during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Kirk, whose fervor for the sport was well-known among fans and friends alike, was shot in the neck mid-event and rushed to the hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead. He is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children, leaving a void in both his family and the wider community that followed his work and passion for college football.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world and beyond. Tributes to Kirk quickly began pouring in from across the globe, with moments of remembrance even observed at iconic venues like Yankee Stadium and Lambeau Field. Yet, as the weekend’s slate of college football games approached, many noticed a conspicuous absence of formal stadium tributes, especially within the sport that Kirk so dearly loved. Instead, memorials and vigils took root on college campuses, a fitting gesture for a man who spent much of his career engaging with students and young audiences nationwide.
Kirk’s devotion to the Oregon Ducks was legendary among those who knew him. Despite never attending college himself and growing up in the Chicago area, Kirk was a die-hard Ducks supporter. He often attended games with his wife and scheduled his fall weekends around Oregon’s matchups, making his fandom a central part of his life. His social media presence was peppered with commentary about the Ducks, and he rarely missed a chance to cheer them on, whether in person at Autzen Stadium or from afar. In a poignant twist of fate, the Ducks’ first game following Kirk’s death was against Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois, not far from Kirk’s hometown—a detail that did not go unnoticed by those close to him.
The Oregon Ducks, coming off a decisive 34-14 victory over Northwestern in Week 3, now find themselves at the center of a growing movement to honor Kirk’s memory. The team, led by head coach Dan Lanning, played on the road in Week 3 but is set to return home for a highly anticipated matchup against their archrivals, the Oregon State Beavers, on Saturday, September 20. The game, scheduled for a 3 p.m. E.T. kickoff at Autzen Stadium, is expected to draw a large and passionate crowd, many of whom are calling for a formal tribute to Kirk.
Head coach Dan Lanning addressed the situation in his postgame remarks following the win over Northwestern, expressing deep sorrow for Kirk’s family and condemning the violence that took Kirk’s life. Lanning’s words resonated with many, capturing the sense of loss felt throughout the Ducks community and beyond. "I recently found out Charlie Kirk was an Oregon fan, right? I didn't know that. I hurt for his wife, Erika, and their kids. That sort of evil should never exist in our country, and that's what it is — evil. I remember having to explain that to my family, right? I remember sitting down my kids and explaining what happened, and they're talking about people talking about it at school. And it's just sad, right?" Lanning said, his voice heavy with emotion. (According to OutKick and The Spun)
The coach’s heartfelt remarks have only intensified calls for the Ducks to pay tribute to Kirk at their next home game. Fans, alumni, and commentators alike have taken to social media and sports forums, urging the university to hold a moment of silence or some other form of recognition before kickoff. "Will the Ducks hold a moment of silence next weekend at Autzen Stadium? It seems like it would be quite fitting," Outkick the Coverage pondered in a recent article, echoing the sentiments of many in the college football world.
So far, the University of Oregon’s athletic program has not confirmed any specific plans to honor Kirk during the upcoming rivalry game. OutKick has reportedly reached out to university officials to inquire about potential tributes, both at the recent Northwestern game and for the upcoming clash with Oregon State, but as of this writing, no official response has been issued. The anticipation is palpable, with many hoping that the Ducks will seize the opportunity to recognize one of their most passionate supporters in front of a home crowd.
Meanwhile, the broader college football landscape has seen a patchwork of tributes and memorials. While stadium-wide moments of silence have been rare, individual players and teams have privately dedicated their performances to Kirk’s memory. On campuses nationwide, students have organized candlelight vigils and memorial gatherings, reflecting on Kirk’s impact and the senselessness of the violence that took his life. His legacy as a campus speaker and advocate has made these tributes especially meaningful, as students remember not just his political activism but his genuine enthusiasm for college sports and student engagement.
Kirk’s assassination has also sparked renewed conversations about safety at public events and the role of sports in bringing communities together during times of tragedy. His death, described by Lanning as "evil," has prompted coaches, players, and fans to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of supporting one another, both on and off the field. The Ducks’ upcoming game against Oregon State, always a highlight of the college football calendar, now carries an added layer of emotion and significance for those who knew Kirk or were touched by his story.
The rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State has long been one of the fiercest in college football, with bragging rights and postseason implications often hanging in the balance. This year, however, the game will be played under the shadow of loss, as the Ducks community grapples with how best to honor a fan who embodied the spirit of college football. Whether through a moment of silence, a video tribute, or another gesture, the decision rests with the university and its athletic department, but the calls for recognition are growing louder by the day.
As the Ducks prepare to return to Autzen Stadium, all eyes will be on Eugene to see how the team and its fans choose to remember Charlie Kirk. For now, his absence is felt deeply, not just by his family and friends, but by a college football community that has lost one of its most passionate voices. The upcoming game promises to be a poignant moment, uniting rivals and supporters alike in a shared act of remembrance and respect.
With kickoff approaching and anticipation building, the Oregon Ducks face not just a test on the field, but an opportunity to demonstrate the power of sports to heal, unite, and pay tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on the game. The question remains: how will they honor Charlie Kirk, and what legacy will his memory inspire in the seasons to come?
