Imagine a family divided, their loyalties torn between two beloved alma maters. This is the story of the Adkissons, a family from Oregon, and their unexpected journey into a college football playoff showdown.
A Tale of Two Alma Maters
A few years back, young Nolan Adkisson posed an intriguing question to his mother, Hailey: What if her alma mater, James Madison University, faced off against his father's alma mater, the University of Oregon? Hailey's response was definitive: "Not in a million years." Little did they know, fate had other plans.
The Unlikely Matchup
As the 2025 college football season progressed, the Adkissons, avid Oregon fans, kept a casual eye on the playoff possibilities. But it was the Sun Belt Championship and an upset in the ACC title game that set the stage for the unthinkable. When the playoff field was announced, Derek Adkisson found himself inundated with messages from friends, all pointing to the same conclusion: their family was in for a unique challenge.
The first-round matchup between the No. 5 Oregon Ducks and the No. 12 James Madison Dukes has divided the Adkisson household. While they would love to be at Autzen Stadium with their three children, a previously planned trip to Sun River means they'll be tuning in remotely.
A Divided Family, United in Spirit
Hailey Adkisson, a proud graduate of JMU, is determined to make the most of this unexpected opportunity. She's already packed her purple sweatshirt, ready to wear it proudly, even if she's outnumbered by Duck fans. Originally from Eastern Washington, Hailey recalls the intimate atmosphere of JMU's stadium, which has since expanded to accommodate over 24,000 fans, with plans for further growth.
Derek Adkisson, a 2007 Oregon graduate, took Nolan to his first college football game this year, an experience that left an indelible mark on the young fan. Derek plans to don his Mariota jersey and outfit his children in Green and Yellow attire, ensuring they represent the Ducks with pride.
Nolan, caught between his parents' allegiances, might be the most conflicted member of the family. But the past two weeks of playful banter and trash talk have only added to the excitement, with Hailey eager for the competition to continue well into the evening.
"Even though it'll be a longshot if JMU wins," she says, "I'm going to enjoy every moment of this unique family rivalry."
So, who will prevail in this unexpected family feud? Will Hailey's JMU pride shine through, or will Derek and the kids' Duck spirit carry the day? Tune in to find out, and join the conversation! What's your take on this unique family dilemma? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
