In mid-July, during Big Ten Football Media Days in Indianapolis, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning delivered an insightful nine-minute address, marking his introduction to a new chapter in the program’s history. As the Ducks officially entered the Big Ten Conference for the 2024 season, Lanning reflected on the team’s summer, including a family vacation, a tragic loss in the program, and the off-field initiatives his staff had taken to strengthen the team’s culture, such as reading The Art of War and working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to provide beds for children in need.
Lanning also spoke about Oregon’s unique position within the Big Ten, emphasizing the program’s innovative spirit and commitment to excellence. “What should the Big Ten know about Oregon?” Lanning asked rhetorically. “We’re mighty different in a lot of ways. We’ve always been on the cutting edge of everything we do, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten.”
A New Contender in the Big Ten
Entering the 2024 season ranked No. 3 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, Oregon has quickly established itself as one of the most formidable teams in the Big Ten, alongside traditional powerhouses like Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. The Ducks’ rise to prominence has been swift, with Oregon recording 12 10-win seasons in the past 17 years, including three consecutive years under Lanning. While the team is still seeking its first national championship, its upcoming Rose Bowl matchup against Ohio State, a team it already defeated earlier in the season, is shaping up to be a major contest for modern Big Ten supremacy.
Financial Resources and NIL
Much of Oregon’s rise in the Big Ten has been supported by significant financial backing, particularly from Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who has donated over $1 billion to the university. This financial muscle has helped fuel Oregon’s innovative approach, particularly in the area of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and has drawn considerable attention within the conference.
At the Big Ten Media Days, Lanning and players faced multiple questions about Oregon’s monetary advantages, with some colleagues noting the team’s access to a vast pool of resources. UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster even made a lighthearted remark about the financial disparity, referencing the revenue-sharing limits expected to accompany the NCAA’s settlement with the House. Nonetheless, it was clear that Oregon’s financial position, especially in comparison to some other schools, was a notable talking point.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who transferred to Oregon from Oklahoma, highlighted how the new era of NIL impacts college football. “With NIL, it’s not like everyone has the same resources. You either have it, or you don’t. It’s the new age of college football, and teams have to take advantage of it,” Gabriel said.
Recruiting Showdown: Oregon vs. Ohio State
Oregon’s aggressive approach to recruiting has positioned the Ducks as a major competitor to Ohio State for the top talent in the nation. Lanning’s three recruiting classes have shown significant improvement, rising from No. 13 in 2022 to No. 9 in 2023 and No. 3 in 2024, ahead of Ohio State for the first time in recent memory. This marks a significant shift in the conference’s recruiting landscape, as Ohio State had long been the recruiting leader.
Oregon’s 2024 class currently sits fifth nationally, just behind Ohio State, and boasts the highest average prospect score (93.85) of any team in the country. Notable signees include five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord (No. 10 overall, No. 3 cornerback), who flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Oregon. Offord is the second high-profile recruit in as many years to choose Oregon over Ohio State, following four-star wideout Jeremiah McClellan in the 2024 cycle. Since Lanning’s arrival, no Oregon commit has decommitted to Ohio State, signaling the Ducks’ rising influence in recruiting battles.
A Rising Power in the Big Ten
As Oregon settles into its new conference home, it has become clear that the Ducks are positioning themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten, challenging the traditional hierarchy. The team’s combination of strong financial backing, innovative approaches, and high-level recruiting gives them a unique edge, while Ohio State remains a powerhouse with its own extensive history and resources. The rivalry between these two teams, particularly in the Rose Bowl and future Big Ten seasons, promises to be a thrilling new chapter in college football.
