The Surprising Reason Pro Football Focus Ranks Dan Lanning Among College Football’s Elite Coaches

In PFF’s latest “Top 10 College Football Head Coaches” rankings heading into the 2025 season, Lanning comes in at No. 4 — behind only Georgia’s Kirby Smart, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.

“Lanning delivered Oregon a Big Ten championship during its maiden year as a member of the conference, and the Ducks were the top seed in the College Football Playoff before losing to eventual champion Ohio State in the Rose Bowl,” PFF added.A national championship. But at the rate he’s going, that might not be missing much longer.Lanning has Oregon right where it wants to be — and if history is any indication, the best may still be ahead.It’s nothing short of remarkable what Dan Lanning has achieved with Oregon in just a blink. Ever since he took the helm in 2022, the Ducks have been firing on all cylinders, racking up wins, bolstering their recruiting game, and snagging a Big Ten title in their very first season in the conference. The crown jewel—an elusive national championship—has kept its distance, but honestly, given Lanning’s trajectory, it feels like only a matter of time before he secures it. Pro Football Focus, no less, ranks him fourth among college football’s elite coaches entering 2025, trailing just behind titans like Kirby Smart, Ryan Day, and Dabo Swinney. That kind of company? It tells you a story of a coach rapidly crafting something extraordinary. And the Ducks’ recent leap to the Big Ten hasn’t slowed the momentum one bit—if anything, it’s intensified the pressure and expectation. With a powerhouse roster coming back and the buzz building louder by the day, Oregon is neck-deep in the national title conversation once more. The best days? Oh, they’re still knocking on the door. LEARN MOREThat’s elite company — and a clear sign of just how quickly Lanning has built something special.That success hasn’t slowed down despite Oregon’s jump to the Big Ten — if anything, it’s only raised the bar.The only thing missing? “Lanning might not have a national championship like the three above him on this list, but that might only be a matter of time at the rate he’s going,” PFF wrote. “He’s won 85.4% of his games during his three seasons as the Ducks’ head coach, trailing only Day among coaches on this list.”📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp  With a loaded roster returning in 2025 and momentum still building, the Ducks are squarely in the national title hunt once again.Pro Football Focus certainly sees it that way.Dan Lanning has turned Oregon into a powerhouse — and fast. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Ducks to double-digit wins every year, elevated their recruiting, and brought a Big Ten title to Eugene in their first year in the conference.