The Oregon Ducks took down the USC Trojans on Saturday night with a big performance from a guy wearing No. 8 at quarterback, facing a Trojan wearing No. 14.
Less than 24 hours later, a familiar story played out on an NFL Sunday, and the Oregon quarterback prevailed against the USC foe once again.
Since signing with the Washington Commanders in 2024 to become the backup quarterback, Marcus Mariota has revived his NFL career. Not only serving as a mentor to Jayden Daniels, but also often stepping in for the injured Daniels and succeeding on the field.
Mariota led the Commanders offense on Sunday against the undefeated Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks. Many experts didn’t give the Commanders a chance, but the former Heisman winner managed to guide Washington to big scoring day, ultimately handing the Seahawks their first loss of the season, 33-30, taking down former USC quarterback Sam Darnold.
Mariota completed 19-of-31 passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns while avoiding turnovers against the vaunted Seattle defense. The Commanders started fast and held a 24-10 lead at one point before the Seahawks crawled back. In the fourth quarter, the Mariota led a field goal drive, and the Washington defense quickly followed with a pick-six.
MARCUS MARIOTA WITH THE QB KEEPER TO SECURE THE WIN
📺: FOX/FOX One pic.twitter.com/vQg4LohUcD
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 27, 2026
On the final drive, needing a first down to end the game, Mariota turned back the clock. He pulled the ball on an option play and darted off the right edge and picked up nine yards and the first down.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn made sure Mariota felt the love after the game, honoring former Duck with a game ball in the locker room.
Quinn has needed to rely on Mariota plenty in recent years. The 12-year veteran appeared in 11 games last season, eight of which he started in place of Daniels. After re-signing with the Commanders in the offseason, Mariota was thrust back into action last week after Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow against the Dallas Cowboys.
“that’s brotherhood right there” 🙂↕️@budlight | #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/PlosDgBziK
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 27, 2026
After pulling off the upset win, the first of the season for the Commanders, Mariota credited his teammates who delivered in big moments. Mariota might not have the starting role for the whole season, but he has proven to be capable of keeping the Commanders competitive against the NFL’s best.
“It’s hard, when you’re 0-2, it’s so easy to cave in,” Mariota said. “These guys believed in each other. … It’s unbelievable, but it’s just one (game). We’ve got a bunch more of these to go, and I think we’re close on offense. Defense played unbelievable today, they got a bunch of turnovers. If we can clean up some things on offense, I think we can be really good.”
Mariota and the Commanders will get back to work this week in hopes to string together another win next Sunday. The Commanders will head to London to face the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 4.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Marcus Mariota earns game ball after Commanders’ upset win
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