It was flabbergasting how Dan Lanning fell behind a promising Natty hope just when the Ducks had to prove themselves. He, however, didn’t blame it on the schedule or any other inconvenience. The Ducks HC straightaway confessed that his team didn’t play up to the mark and let the prize go out of hand. Throughout the lead-up to the postseason bowl, Lanning kept on focusing on the performance at every opportunity. Unfortunately, he couldn’t save the undefeated tag, falling victim to a fiery Buckeyes offense. The season might be over, but Leaning’s strive to become the top of the line isn’t. He’s gearing up heavily for the season to come. Transfer portal rush and a witty eagle eye for the premium talents are paving the way for a stellar 2025.

They have already secured Dilon Gabriel’s void in the QB room, swooping in sophomore QB Dante Moore. But they want some more eggs in the basket for 2026.

Oregon Ducks is heavily eyeing 2026 QB target 

Folsom (Calif.) five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons is another prospect that UO has been vying to get on the board. On Wednesday, Lanning, offensive coordinator Will Stein, and multiple other staffers visited the ballyhooed passer at his school. Lyons is the No. 10 overall prospect and No. 3 QB in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

”The biggest name that has emerged in the last couple of weeks that Oregon has been after, that Dan Lanning paid an in-person visit to himself along with Alique Terry, Drew Mehringer and Will Stein, is Ryder Lyons, who is by some outlets the no. 1 quarterback in the class of 2026,” said insider Spencer McLaughlin. He stands as the No. 2 junior in California. A member of the LDS church, he is said to take a mission trip before settling anywhere. So, he won’t suit up for any team, hypothetically for the Ducks before 2027 or 2028. But Lanning is thinking long-term. The time restraint isn’t an issue for him.

The QB has a long list of suitors, including BYU, USC, Ole Miss, North Carolina Tar Heels, and more. A total of nearly 30 offers are piled up on the table at this point, making it difficult for the kid to take a shot. But Lanning isn’t delusional to go all in for the California-born. His stats are enough to turn heads even if we ignore the intangibles for now.

In his junior campaign, Lyons clinched California’s Gatorade Player of the Year this past season. All thanks to his remarkable performance, Folsom has reached an unprecedented 12-2 record and a California Division 1-AA Regional Final appearance. Lyons threw for 3,011 yards on a 68.1 completion rate to go along with 46 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for 585 yards and 14 touchdowns.

But Lanning has some double benefits in the mix if he can catch Lyons right on the spot.

Ryder Lyons will bring a lot more on the plate than just some blazing numbers

The Oregon QB room is quite jacked up. Apart from Dante Moore at the helm, Jonas William is bracing up for his senior season and is doing everything to make it grand before he lands in Eugene. The No.1 2026 QB recruit Jared Curtis also kept Oregon among his top 6 lists. However, as per the latest update, Georgia and Kirby Smart have the edge over him as OC Mike Bobo has spent nine hours convincing his family about a serious move. QB Akili Smith Jr’ is all set to kick-start his freshman SEASON with the Ducks.

Lyons’ arrival might bring much more push in the recruiting form than Lanning has ever expected. The 16-year-old has a vision beyond athletic excellence. He wants to be a recruiting leader for whatever school he signs with.

“I want to build a team around me. I think I’m a pretty good recruiter. I think people want to play with me, so I want to build a team around me. So I have to have a little bit of time to do that. Definitely before my senior season starts, which could be in the next month, or could be in five months,” said the highly touted QB target. If Lanning can play his card right and make the best out of a bad jab, the future looks all rosy!