Father of NFL quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and senior Oregon defensive end Matayo, Duck dad "Big Dave" Uiagalelei feels certain he knows the key to Dan Lanning's phenomenal success, already 48-8 with a Big Ten Championship and two playoff wins entering his fifth year as a head coach.
"I call Dan a pastor," Big Dave said. "If you really look, it's his sermon. He's like he's he's studying for, when he when he goes and preach those messages to these kids, it's like a pastor doing a sermon, you know what I mean? So, he's a coach/pastor to me to these kids, and and he's an easy guy to follow."
It's the power and consistency that makes the difference, Uiagalelei said. Lanning lives those values and models them to his team.
In an exclusive interview for Autzen Zoo and the Oregon Fan Show Uiagalelei said, "I'll give you an example. We're we're doing barbecue at the house and he's over the house. A lot of people are there. He and his wife show up, right? And we have a long line to to the barbecue food, right? And I told Dan and his wife Sauphia, don't worry about it. You know, everyone understands, 'Go ahead, go cut, you know, cut the line. Just go to the front.'"
"He looks at me and he looks at the line. He's like, 'No, Dave. We'll stand here. Wait our turn.' I'm looking at him. No, Dan. Just worry about it. everybody. You got to get up there, get your food, then you got to get, you know, uh, you know, you're head coach cuz that's, you know, man, he he said, 'No.' And they stood in that and it was a long line, you know, but that right there explains who Dan is."
It's a message of "walking your talk" that fits in nicely with Lanning teaching at morning meetings about Karma and remembering those that came before you, principles the former national champion defensive coordinator at Georgia instills in his players as part of their emphasis on culture and connection.
"He doesn't allow any of this status stuff, you know, who he is, the coach, everything to change is, right? He's always going to do the right things, the right way, the way it's supposed to be done. So for me, I'm just grateful and thankful that I'm I'm under, you know, my kid is under this program and, you know, I do my part in helping with with whatever they need from recruiting to talking to parents."
Uiagalelei also talks with pride about Matayo's readiness for his senior season. The fellowship strengthens the bonds within the group, what Lanning calls the most player-led team of his career.
It's connection that extends to the families, Uiagalelei said. "Family, that's what we do here in Eugene. We do family here. We hold barbecues after every game. All the families are invited. You know, whoever it is, come on. And you don't need to bring anything. We got the food, drinks, everything ready. Just come and and at the end of the day, it's about fellowship. It's about, you know, encouraging each other. But that's what Dan brings brings to my family and what I will never forget."
Along with fellow seniors Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington and Teitum Tuioti, Matayo made the decision to return for his senior year. He's changed his body composition to a quick, lean 6-5, 270. Though he's always been a lead-by-example guy, the edge rusher has become more of a vocal leader.
YOUNG CONCRETE 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 https://t.co/4jxbD4IPi8
— Big Dave Uiagalelei (@DUiagalelei) August 25, 2026
The fiercely targeted off season training and sharpened mindset brings the St. John Bosco product in sight of some very big goals, including Oregon's first national title and the program career sack record of 29.5, set by Nick Reed in 2005-2008. Matayo currently has 18.5, and a renewed emphasis on finishing in the pocket figures to increase both his production and the unit's havoc rate.
Early mock drafts have No. 10 going in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft next April, but a high-impact senior season could elevate him considerably. Last year pro squads took 17 edge rushers in the first two rounds.
Older son DJ is already in the league, the backup to Duck great Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Add us as a preferred source on Google