You can’t indulge in being a favorite forever! Dan Lanning led Oregon to an unrivaled run in 2024 to become the only undefeated team in the FBS this season. It didn’t surprise anyone that they secured the No. 1 seed in the new 12-team playoff system. As one of the top four seeds to receive an automatic first-round bye, the Ducks don’t have to bear the pressure of the first playoff round. But even in their favorable situation, Dan Lanning isn’t without concern with the new CFP format. 

Oregon is currently the champion in FBS. But the new CFP format has robbed them of their chances to host playoff games. During his appearance on GoJo and Golic on Instagram on December 21, Dan Lanning voiced his desire to see more home playoff games in the future. Bringing in examples from the NFL and the FCS, he said, “You know, the NFL’s been playing playoff games for a long time. So is FCS football. Right now in college football, we’re trying to make a lot of things, a lot of people happy and part of that is the bowl process. But it certainly makes sense to have playoff games at home until you get into that Championship game.” 

Oregon may be the top seed, but they won’t be hosting the quarterfinals at home. See how the format goes. The first round of the playoffs this weekend will see teams seeded from No. 5-8 (Texas, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State) hosting the 9-12 seeded teams (Tennessee, Indiana, SMU, and Clemson). However, as per Front Office Sports, the teams hosting the first round playoff games aren’t organizing or producing the games. Rather, it’s the CFP governing body. 

Still, as per Penn State HC James Franklin, “There are advantages (of playing at home). But not as much of an advantage from a recruiting perspective as people may think, other than obviously really good players are still able to watch is continue to play this season.” After sitting out of action this week, Dan Lanning’s team will play the winner of Ohio State-Tennessee in the quarterfinals. This matchup will be part of the bowl games where they’ll have to travel to Pasadena, California, for the Rose Bowl on New Year’s day. Can the Ducks survive the competition?

Can Dan Lanning turn Oregon into a National Championship team?

You gotta admire Dan Lanning for his energy and ability to communicate seamlessly with his players. Under the 38-year-old HC’s leadership, Oregon has compiled a pristine 13-0 record after rounding up the regular season with a 45-37 win over Penn State to become the Big Ten champions. And now, as they head for the playoffs, they’re tied with No. 5 Texas for the best national championship odds.

Both the Ducks and the Longhorns have +360 odds to win the natty. Ohio State trails behind with +475 odds, while Georgia and Penn State follow suit with +500 and +600 odds, respectively. So you see, Oregon’s path to the ultimate championship game is tinged with challenges. They could face Ohio State in the quarterfinals. There’s a high probability that they’ll advance to the semifinals to face Steve Sarkisian‘s Longhorns. 

Still, Dan Lanning and Oregon have time to take a breath while eight teams play this weekend to qualify. Do you think they’ll rise above the competition to earn their first national title appearance since 2014?