For a Big Ten program like Oregon to surpass SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Texas is a heroic feat. But ever since HC Dan Lanning stepped in Eugene in December 2021, the following season records have given them high hopes. In his two and half seasons in Oregon, the 38-year-old HC has compiled an unrivaled record including the unbeaten eight wins this season. How is he steering this potential Big Ten champion? 

Past records don’t matter, whether it’s a win or loss. What matters is what the players are putting into their next game. That’s the way Dan Lanning sees it, as revealed by Marcus Harper II who recently joined our exclusive interview. He said, “The next play, the mentality… how can you continue to move forward, how can you continue to better yourself and improve yourself as a player, that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned from coach Lanning and how you’re bringing that every single day, how you’re being consistent every single day. In fact, it’s a niche kind of thing that’s been spread out through the staff.”

Oregon climbed on top of the AP Poll ranking for the first time in 12 years after delivering a blowout 35-0 defeat to Purdue. The achievement is a testament that the Ducks are a real force, not just in the Big Ten. While every coach would beam with pride to be No. 1, Lanning’s “who cares” attitude reflects Harper II’s revelation. He said, “We’re at the midpoint of the season. We’re not done yet. There’s a lot of things that we still want to accomplish, so that doesn’t really matter for us.”

Dan Lanning may be one of the youngest CFB HCs, but he’s already trained under legendary coaches like Kirby Smart and Nick Saban. His 2024 success has earned him high praise from many people, including former WR JD PicKell who compared his program to Saban’s past team and Smart’s current team. But Lanning has his own wish list where winning a National Championship is among the goals. 

Dan Lanning’s goals as Oregon HC

Dan Lanning’s desire to share his happiness and success is clear when he spoke to NBC Sports’ Maria Taylor. He asserted that his “number one goal” is to help his players achieve their dreams and aspirations just as he’s enjoying the fruits of his labor in Eugene. But the number two goal is to “win a national championship here at Oregon.” With the pace that they’re taking, a Natty appearance isn’t something that’s hard to envision. 

Still, there’s another personal goal that Lanning revealed. He said, “Mike Belloti is the winningest coach in Oregon football. He’s won 116 games, right? I’m a long ways away, so I’m chasing that.” Right. Lanning has only played 35 games in Oregon so far, but he holds an incredible 30-5 record. He’s already giving stiff competition to elite programs like Alabama in terms of recruiting. We gotta admit, it’s Dan Lanning’s time to shine. The question is, can that sparkle lead them to a game in January?