Anonymous Big Ten coach sees Oregon as 'in the mix' to win national championship

Oregon entered last season’s College Football Playoff as the No. 1 overall seed, meaning they were the team to beat during the first-ever 12-team playoff. While ultimately falling short of their final goal, the Ducks are expected to be right back in the mix for a national title in 2025, according to one anonymous Big Ten coach.

“The only thing missing for [Oregon head coach Dan] Lanning is the hardware,” the coach told Athlon Sports. “Up until the Rose Bowl, the big games he lost were situational decisions where you still respected his confidence for making risky calls. They’re in the mix to win it all.”

Hardware is expected to come with tenure, as the Oregon headman is only 39 years old and in his first head coaching job. In that time, he’s led the Ducks to a 35–6 record.

Oregon finished the 2024 season 13-1, finishing the regular season undefeated as Big Ten champions before advancing to its second College Football Playoff, and first under Lanning. While similar success is expected from the Ducks this fall, there are some notable changes to the roster, which the anonymous coach pointed out.

“They’re pretty hyped on the quarterback [Dante Moore], who they’ve had in the system for a season already, which is a huge advantage,” they said. “This isn’t modifying your book for a guy you get out of the portal; it’s a talented, developed player who already knows your system. I think that will show early on this season.”

The coach added that Oregon lost some “legit” talent at both the linebacker and receiver positions, though Lanning has turned his program into one of the elite talent-evaluating programs in the country. “This is a reload program, not a rebuilder,” the coach concluded.

The Ducks will begin the 2025 season against Montana State on Aug. 30. Big Ten play begins shortly after, as they’ll travel to Northwestern for a Week 3 matchup at Noon ET. Their schedule also features non-conference matchups against Oklahoma State and Oregon State.

In Big Ten play, however, Oregon will face the likes of Penn State, Indiana and USC, among others. Notably, the Ducks’ schedule does not feature a game against Ohio State — who Oregon beat during the regular season and lost against during the CFP.

In response, Vegas slotted Oregon’s win total at over/under at 10.5 wins. So far, Lanning hasn’t coached the Ducks into anything less than a 10-win season.