‘A lot more physical’: Dan Lanning discusses d-line challenges as Oregon football joins Big Ten

As the Oregon football program gets used to life in the midst of the Big Ten, the head coach of the Ducks seems pretty intent on having his team win in the trenches. Especially on the defensive side of the ball. Given that Dan Lanning is known for having strong defenses, that seems to make some sense.

During the 2024 Big Ten Media Days, Lanning had a chance to share a few insights on the Ducks’ defensive line strategy and the Oregon football preparations for joining the Big Ten.

As the Ducks gear up for the next era of Oregon football (a pretty monumental moment for the Ducks, to be completely honest), Lanning shed some light on how important he views recruiting talented and dedicated defensive lineman can be. 

Lanning was asked about the departure of four experienced defensive linemen from the 2023 Oregon football roster, including Brandon Dorlus. During his answer, Lanning expressed plenty of confidence in Oregon’s ability to address that gap all while praising the efforts from his personnel department and coaching staff.

"We've recruited really well in that area, especially in the high school ranks, and that's where we build our team first," Lanning said.

Oregon football: Dan Lanning addresses defensive line depth for the Ducks during Big Ten Media Days

You know, bringing in a ton of talent is generally a pretty good way to replace outgoing talent. Developing talented players to be even better? That’s also a pretty big deal for having a football team continue to be good at things and win games. 

"The reality of winning football when you're a team like Oregon and the position you want to put yourself at the end of the year, you've got to win in the trenches at the end of the year, not just in the middle of the year," Lanning explained.

And it seems like the Oregon Ducks will need to continue to recruit well and develop the talent that makes it to Eugene. So far, as the Ducks head into their third season with Lanning leading things, it certainly seems like that’s happening for Oregon football.

That will be especially important as the Ducks move on into their new conference. 

"A lot of people ask me, what's different about going to the Big Ten? I hear it's a lot more physical," Lanning explained.

To handle that physicality, the Ducks will need to continue to thrive in the transfer portal, through traditional recruiting means, and with the development of players once they’re on campus. Lanning seems confident that that’s all taking place and there’s really no reason to doubt that at this time.

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