Imagine this: a family so divided, they never thought their beloved alma maters would face off on the gridiron. But here’s where it gets wild—the Oregon Ducks and James Madison Dukes are set to clash in the College Football Playoff, and one Salem family is right in the eye of the storm. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the game; it’s about the Adkissons, a family torn between loyalty to their schools, with mom Hailey cheering for JMU and dad Derek rooting for Oregon. This unexpected matchup has turned their living room into a battleground of friendly rivalry.
A few years ago, when Nolan Adkisson asked his mom, Hailey, what she’d do if James Madison (her alma mater) ever played Oregon (his dad Derek’s school), her response was swift: ‘That’ll never happen. Not in a million years.’ Fast forward to December 2025, and here we are. The Adkissons, who usually tune into Oregon games during the season, weren’t closely tracking playoff scenarios until JMU’s Sun Belt Championship win and Duke’s upset of Virginia in the ACC title game. When the 12-team playoff bracket dropped on December 7, Derek’s phone blew up with texts from friends teasing, ‘This is going to be an interesting game for your family.’
The No. 5 Ducks vs. No. 12 Dukes matchup has the Adkissons split—literally. Hailey, a proud JMU alum from Eastern Washington, graduated in 2009 when the school’s stadium held fewer than 14,000 fans. Today, it’s expanded to over 24,000, with plans for even more growth. ‘Back then, I’d cut across the field to get to class faster,’ she recalls. ‘I doubt that’s possible now.’ Derek, a 2007 Oregon grad, recently took Nolan to his first college football game at Autzen Stadium, an experience Derek describes as ‘magical.’
While Hailey and Derek would’ve loved to attend the game with their three kids, a pre-planned trip to Sun River means they’ll be watching from afar. ‘I paid for early check-in just to make sure we’re ready for kickoff,’ Hailey says. ‘I’ll be wearing my purple sweatshirt proudly, even if I’m outnumbered by Duck fans.’ Derek, meanwhile, is dressing the kids in green and yellow, vowing, ‘Hopefully we outnumber Hailey.’
But here’s the controversial part: While most predict an Oregon win, Hailey isn’t backing down. ‘Even if JMU’s chances are slim, I’ll enjoy every second of competing against my husband,’ she says with a grin. This family’s banter has been nonstop, and the car ride to Sun River promises even more friendly trash talk.
Now, here’s the question for you: If your family was split between two teams in a high-stakes game, how would you handle it? Would you wear your colors proudly, or play it safe? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some passionate opinions!
