What Is 1962 Oregon Ducks football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1962 Oregon Ducks football team represented the University of Oregon during the 1962 NCAA University Division season, finishing with a 4–6 record under head coach Len Casanova. They played their home games at Autzen Stadium, which opened that year.

Key Facts

The 1962 Oregon Ducks finished the season with a 4–6 overall record
Len Casanova was head coach for his 12th season at Oregon
Autzen Stadium opened in 1962 with a capacity of approximately 40,000
The Ducks played in the Northwest Conference and had a 2–4 conference record
Quarterback Terry Baker won the Heisman Trophy in 1962, though primarily recognized for 1962 achievements

Overview

The 1962 Oregon Ducks football team represented the University of Oregon in the NCAA University Division season, marking a pivotal year in the program’s history. This season was notable for the debut of Autzen Stadium, which replaced Hayward Field as the team’s primary home venue.

Under head coach Len Casanova, who was in his 12th year leading the program, the Ducks struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 4–6 overall record. Despite the losing record, the team featured standout player Terry Baker, who won the Heisman Trophy in December 1962, becoming the first Oregon player to do so.

Terry Baker won the Heisman Trophy in December 1962, becoming the first and only Oregon player to win the award, cementing his legacy in college football history.
The team opened Autzen Stadium on September 22, 1962, defeating the University of Texas 17–14 in front of over 40,000 fans, marking a new era for Oregon football.
Under Len Casanova, the Ducks compiled a 4–6 overall record and a 2–4 record in conference play, finishing tied for fifth in the Northwest Conference.
The season included a notable win over Texas and losses to strong programs such as USC and Washington, reflecting the team’s competitive but inconsistent performance.
Terry Baker also played basketball and baseball at Oregon, showcasing his athletic versatility and contributing to his Heisman recognition despite the team’s losing record.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1962 season was defined by individual excellence amid team struggles, with Terry Baker’s achievements standing out above the team’s 4–6 record. His Heisman win was historic, but the Ducks failed to reach a bowl game for the second consecutive year.

Season Record: The Ducks finished 4–6 overall and 2–4 in conference play, their second losing season under Casanova in the last three years.
Home Opener: The inaugural game at Autzen Stadium on September 22, 1962, drew a then-record crowd and ended in a 17–14 victory over Texas.
Terry Baker’s Heisman: Baker won the Heisman Trophy by a narrow margin over Nebraska’s Terry Metcalf, becoming the first player from a losing team to win the award.
Key Players: Besides Baker, fullback Jack Morris and linebacker Jim Michalczik were defensive leaders, contributing to several close games.
Notable Losses: The Ducks lost to USC 21–14 and Washington 21–0, highlighting challenges against top-tier conference opponents.
Schedule Strength: Oregon faced five teams that finished with winning records, indicating a challenging schedule despite their subpar performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1962 Oregon Ducks with the previous and following seasons to highlight trends in performance, coaching, and program development:

Year	Head Coach	Overall Record	Conference Record	Notable Achievement
1961	Len Casanova	5–4–1	3–3	First season at .500 or above since 1958
1962	Len Casanova	4–6	2–4	Heisman Trophy won by Terry Baker
1963	Len Casanova	5–5	3–4	Improved defense but no postseason appearance
1960	Len Casanova	4–6	2–4	Low attendance at Hayward Field
1964	Len Casanova	4–6	2–4	Final season before program rebuild

The table shows that while the 1962 season had a losing record, it was historically significant due to Terry Baker’s Heisman win and the opening of Autzen Stadium. These milestones laid the foundation for future growth, even as win-loss records remained inconsistent through the mid-1960s.

Why It Matters

The 1962 season remains a cornerstone in Oregon football history, not for its record, but for its long-term cultural and structural impact on the program. The combination of a new stadium and a Heisman Trophy winner elevated the Ducks’ national profile.

Autzen Stadium became a permanent home for the Ducks, eventually expanding to over 54,000 seats and becoming one of college football’s most intimidating venues.
Terry Baker’s Heisman Trophy brought unprecedented national attention to Oregon, helping recruit future talent despite limited team success.
The season highlighted the potential for individual excellence to elevate a program, influencing future coaching and recruiting strategies.
Opening a modern stadium in 1962 signaled Oregon’s commitment to investing in athletics, setting a precedent for future facilities upgrades.
The game against Texas in September 1962 was one of the first nationally televised college football games from Eugene, boosting visibility.
Though Casanova’s tenure ended without a national title, the 1962 season laid groundwork for future success under coaches like Rich Brooks and Mike Bellotti.

Ultimately, the 1962 Oregon Ducks season is remembered more for its symbolic achievements than its win-loss record. It marked the beginning of Oregon’s transformation into a modern football power, driven by innovation and individual brilliance.