The Montana Grizzlies and Oregon Ducks begin the 2026 season Monday night in a matchup that gives both teams an early measuring stick. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon, with each program entering at 0-0.
Oregon’s roster looks different than it did a year ago, and one of the biggest additions is Fred Payne. The transfer guard is set for his first regular-season game with the Ducks after averaging 15.8 points per game at Boston College last season. That scoring production gives Oregon another proven perimeter option as it begins sorting out a new rotation.
The Ducks also have other new pieces to integrate. Tyler Thompson and Kenyon Aguino bring different skill sets to the lineup, while Malique Ewin was declared eligible on Oct. 25 after transferring from Arkansas. With multiple newcomers in the mix, Oregon’s opener is as much about finding rhythm as it is about the final result.
Montana brings back key starters
Montana does not arrive empty-handed. The Grizzlies are bringing back starters at the guard and forward spots in Tyler Thompson and Kenyon Aguino, which should give them some continuity in a season-opening road game against a rebuilt Oregon roster.
That experience matters in a game like this. Early in the year, teams are often still learning how their pieces fit together, and Montana’s returnees give the Grizzlies a steadier baseline than a roster starting from scratch. Oregon, meanwhile, will be leaning on new additions to establish roles quickly.
Fred Payne is the headline name for Oregon, but the bigger picture is a season opener that should reveal a lot about both teams. For the Ducks, it is the first chance to see how their transfer-heavy roster functions in live action. For Montana, it is an opportunity to test returning production against a major-conference opponent right away.
