Bo Nix Opens Up about Emotional Loss to Washington and Uncertain Bowl Status in Oregon

LAS VEGAS — Bo Nix, the Oregon quarterback, found himself struggling to process the end of an intense game and possibly his college football career as a whole after losing 34-31 to Washington in the Pac-12 championship. Amidst the loss, a decision regarding his participation in the Ducks’ upcoming bowl game would have to wait.

Reflecting on the game, Nix was asked about his plans for the future, to which he replied, “Can we just enjoy the moment right now and enjoy our season? That’s not today’s decision. I have no idea.”

Having made 60 career starts, with 34 at Auburn and 26 at Oregon, Nix, a fifth-year senior at 23 years old, boasts impressive stats–14,750 passing yards and 105 touchdowns, and his current season was his best yet, with 4,000 yards, a 77% completion rate, 40 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.

Oregon, led by Nix, had an outstanding season, setting themselves up to claim the Pac-12 championship and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. However, despite their successes, they couldn’t secure a win against Washington.

“We didn’t play well enough to win this game,” said head coach Dan Lanning. “We didn’t have their number; they had ours.”

After being down 20-3 at one point in the first half, Nix and the Oregon offense rallied, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second half. Unfortunately, they were unable to hold off Washington’s counterattack, resulting in their defeat.

With the Ducks’ 11-win season now over, speculation about Nix’s status for the bowl game began. Nix, however, was still coming to terms with the finality of it all. Before the loss, there was always another game to anticipate, or another season on the horizon.

“I’m just trying to get over that loss, I’m not thinking about anything else,” Nix said. “I think that’s why I’m in shock because I’m expecting a game next week and I’m expecting another opponent. It’s tough when you’re used to go, go, go, and then when it ends it happens very quickly.”

Oregon is likely to play in a New Years’ Six bowl, and linebacker Jeff Bassa mentioned that the team might see significant changes leading up to that matchup.

“Obviously, there’s going to be guys that make decisions to leave and go into the NFL,” Bassa said. “And then there’s going to be guys that are going to leave and head into the portal.”

While Nix was noncommittal about his participation in the upcoming bowl game, signs pointed to a probable move to the NFL draft. Speaking at length about his experiences in college football, Nix expressed gratitude for his time in the sport, which had seen many changes, from conference realignment to the transfer portal and NIL, to a pandemic.

“Each year was something different, each year was something new,” Nix said. “I’m going to miss college football.”

As Nix left the press room, he greeted Washington coach Kalen DeBoer and congratulated quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was set for one more meaningful game as a conference champion. However, for Nix, there are no more college games to play. Despite this, he found solace in looking forward to other aspects of life.

“There’s way more to life than college football,” Nix said. “As crazy as it sounds, I’m going to enjoy this plane ride home.”