How Did Dan Lanning Climb Into CBS Sports’ Exclusive Top 25 Power Four Coach Rankings?

The Oregon Ducks have quietly morphed into one of college football’s most formidable forces in just three short seasons — and it’s no coincidence that all this success has unfolded under Dan Lanning’s watchful eye. Since stepping onto the Eugene sidelines at the tail end of 2021, Lanning has methodically elevated the program year after year, culminating in a Rose Bowl run that has everyone raising the stakes for what comes next. I gotta say, watching this transformation has been nothing short of captivating. Lanning, once known primarily as a defensive mastermind, recently snagged a top-five spot among the elite Power Four coaches — right up there with names like Sarkisian and Smart — an endorsement that speaks volumes about the respect he commands in the game today. Oregon isn’t just stacking wins (they rank fourth nationwide with 35 since his arrival); they’re also turning heads by producing NFL talent at a remarkable pace. What’s really struck me is Lanning’s knack for savvy recruitment, especially his success landing transfers, which has kept the roster refreshed and competitive—even as turnover tests the Ducks’ resilience moving forward. It’s gonna be fascinating to see if they can sustain this scorching momentum. Curious? LEARN MORE.The Oregon Ducks have become a college football powerhouse over the last three seasons which coincides with the arrival of head coach Dan Lanning. The program has improved its record in each of those years, and coming off a Rose Bowl appearance, the bar has now been set higher than ever. It will be a challenge to maintain the elite status they’ve earned with so much roster turnover, but it gives Lanning a chance to prove why he is valued so highly. Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports recently named the top 25 Power Four coaches and Lanning received an elite ranking. The former defensive coordinator was placed at No. 5 behind only the most legendary coaches of the era like Steve Sarkisian and Kirby Smart. 

Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.Lanning has also proven to be an excellent recruiter with Oregon nabbing some of the most transfers since 2022. These trends have extended to 2025, and the school just had 10 players drafted and many more currently in the transfer portal. 

Since Lanning came to Eugene at the end of 2021, the Ducks have the fourth most wins in all of college football with 35. They have also been near the top of the leaderboards in terms of schools with the most draft picks in that same time span.