The Ohio State-Oregon rivalry is shaping up to be one of the Big Ten’s most exciting new storylines, and there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to Oregon’s dynamic head coach, Dan Lanning. The formidable former Ohio State head coach, Urban Meyer, isn’t shy about his admiration for Lanning. On a recent episode of The Triple Option podcast, Meyer didn’t mince words, labeling Lanning among the elite top two or three head coaches in the nation right now.
Meyer, who knows what it takes to build a championship-winning program, lauded Lanning for more than just his coaching chops. It’s Lanning’s vivacious energy and genuine love for the Oregon program that have caught Meyer’s attention. “The big gold trophy, that’s it,” Meyer reflected, sharing memories of visiting Oregon’s Spring practice and observing Lanning at work with the team. Meyer’s endorsement comes wrapped in certainty: “This one ain’t going away.” It’s not just his coaching talent that stands out but the connection he’s fostered within the Oregon community, backed by a school brimming with state-of-the-art facilities and the backing of Nike’s headquarters.
Lanning has undeniably put his mark on the Ducks in no time. After a solid 10-3 debut season, he propelled Oregon to a stellar 12-2 record in 2023, culminating in a Fiesta Bowl appearance as a swan song for their Pac-12 journey. Fast forward to their Big Ten debut—predicted by some to be a challenging transition—and Lanning’s Ducks defied the odds by roaring to a 13-0 start, clutching the conference title on their way to their first College Football Playoff berth since 2014.
On the flip side, Ohio State and Oregon faced off twice in 2024, splitting their meetings. Yet, when it came down to the wire in the College Football Playoff, it was the Buckeyes who emerged victorious. Their regular season clash was a thriller, with each play being crucial in the nail-biting showdown at Autzen Stadium. However, the Rose Bowl matchup painted a different picture, as Ohio State came out guns blazing, quickly putting up 34 unanswered points that sealed the deal just minutes into the second quarter.
The Ohio State and Oregon showdown is the kind of classic Big Ten rivalry that has fans savoring every moment. As these programs continue to clash, the spotlight will certainly shine bright on Dan Lanning, a coach whose promising journey is only beginning.
