'Premier league of college football': Dan Lanning, Oregon football embrace new CFB landscape in Big Ten move
By Ethan Lee
It’s fair to say that college football looks very different from what it used to. Things have changed quite a bit. And that’s very true for the Oregon football program, which is gearing up for a rather transformative season as the Ducks move on from the Pac-12 and into the Big Ten.
During the 2024 Big Ten Media Days, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning shed a bit of light on the sort of advantages and opportunities that are a result of this sort of move for the Ducks.
When Lanning was asked how the conference realignment move was impacting the Oregon football program, one of the key benefits the head coach of the Oregon Ducks football team noted was the expanded recruiting footprint suddenly available to his program.
"We've always been a team that's recruited nationally, but it's made our footprint stronger in the Midwest," Lanning stated.
Oregon football: Dan Lanning highlights pros of Ducks migrating into Big Ten
It’s always important to go out and get new, talented players to continuously improve and build a program. So, for Lanning and the Ducks to be able to go into some new areas and grab some new talent, that’s a good thing for the future of Oregon football.
“Whether it's states in this area that we haven't tapped into as much, it gives us an opportunity to recruit those states and give people an opportunity,” Lanning explained.
In addition to that, Lanning also noted the sort of stability and prominence that come with being in the Big Ten. That’s meaningful for the future of Oregon football as well.
“One, having a clear vision of our future. Obviously this is the premier league of college football,” Lanning noted.
Given the struggles that existed with the Pac-12, moving into the Big Ten and seeing a stable future has to be a breath of fresh air for Lanning and his colleagues. It’s not just a simple recruiting advantage that matters here. Especially as this sport continues to change.