Dan Lanning came in with a vision — to transform Oregon into a powerhouse. But 3 seasons later, his team took a brutal 34-point hit as the No. 1 seed in the CFP. However, as Lanning said, “It’s not about getting knocked down. It’s about what you do next.” So what’s next? He’s shaking up the recruiting game. Yes, the Ducks have reeled in top-tier talent, including 5-star playmaker Jurrion Dickey, lockdown corner Na’eem Offord, and hard-hitting linebacker Gavin Nix. And now, Lanning is going all in, sending a loud message — Oregon isn’t just rising, they’re coming for the crown.

So, Lanning isn’t just recruiting — he’s laying the foundation for Oregon’s future dominance. As On3’s Chad Simmons reported, Lanning is making a statement by aggressively targeting top high school talent in the 2027 class. His latest offers went to powerhouse lineman Sidney Rouleau and dynamic wide receiver Myles “Scrap” McAfee. While the excitement was real, Rouleau took to X, writing, “WOW‼️‼️ After an Amazing Talk with @105CoachTerry and @CoachWalk53 I am Extremely Blessed and Excited to say that I have Earned an Offer from The University of Oregon #GoDucks 🦆🟡🟢.”

On the other hand, McAfee kept it short but bold, posting, “Blessed to receive an offer from Oregon!! AGTFG. IPMFIGF🙏🏿🐑🐧.” However, Lanning didn’t stop there. And Oregon is now in the mix for Hayden Stepp, a towering cornerback out of Bishop Gorman. At nearly 6-foot-4 with a lean, athletic 175-pound frame, Stepp has the versatility to develop into an elite defensive back.

And overflowing with excitement, Stepp announced the news on X. “After a great conversation with Coach @Coach_CHampton I am blessed to say I have received an offer from The University of Oregon! #GoDucks @CoachTroop3,” wrote the standout CB. So, with Dan Lanning at the helm, Oregon’s recruiting machine is running full speed. And the message is clear — elite talent belongs in Eugene.

Following that, two more high school standouts are on Lanning’s radar — Tycen Johnson and Julian Caldwell. You know, Johnson, a dynamic WR out of Chaparral, isn’t just a threat on the field — he’s a burner on the track, clocking a blazing 10.86 in the 100m as a freshman. On the flip script, Caldwell, a smooth 6-foot, 170-pound receiver from Argyle, brings crisp route-running and elite playmaking ability. Safe to say, both are prime targets in Oregon’s aggressive push for future stars.

While Oregon’s future is shining, Lanning is making sure it stays that way by locking in 2027 prospects early. And his aggressive push in HS recruiting signals long-term commitment — but there’s more to the story. As of now, with whispers of tampering allegations swirling, Lanning’s strategy might just be his way of building from within and silencing the noise.

Dan Lanning is accused of manipulating

The whispers surrounding Dan Lanning are inescapable; they’re connected to Ohio State University. Well, reports claim that after the Buckeyes’ Rose Bowl loss, Oregon wasted no time making moves. Yes, “Oregon contacted five or six current players to get them into the portal and offered them more than double what their general rate was and what Ohio was paying them,” revealed Kris Drew on Menace2Sports. As of now, if true, Lanning isn’t just recruiting — he’s shaking up the system.

So, they’re flipping the script. Furthermore, reports suggest that they’re targeting top programs, throwing big money at players to lure them away. “They are going through some of the top teams and offering as much money as possible to get guys to leave and come to Oregon because they are desperate to win a championship and desperate to be one of the big boys,” the source claimed.

But if Dan Lanning’s Oregon was really handing out massive bags, you’d think some elite talent — maybe even a few Buckeyes — would have taken the deal. However, here’s the twist: no major OSU stars have packed their bags for Eugene. So, while the rumors are loud, the portal remains quiet. Right now, is Oregon truly making these wild offers, or is this just smoke with no fire? That’s only time will tell.