And then there were four. Curt Cignetti has etched his name in history by leading the Indiana Hoosiers to their first national championship, joining the elite ranks of Clemson's Dabo Swinney, Georgia's Kirby Smart, and Ohio State's Ryan Day as active head coaches with a College Football Playoff title. Now, Dan Lanning stands on the brink of doing the same with Oregon, a program still chasing its first national crown.
Joel Klatt’s rankings have Lanning positioned just after Cignetti, Day, and Smart, highlighting the immense pressure on him to succeed. Being ranked above notable names like Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, Texas' Steve Sarkisian, and Miami's Mario Cristobal-last year’s runner-up-speaks volumes.
Oregon has consistently been a playoff contender, making the 12-team playoff both years of its existence. It's no accident that the coaches ranked above Lanning have already tasted championship glory.
As we gear up for the 2026-27 college football season, Oregon is among six teams favored to make another playoff appearance. Joining them are Miami, Texas Tech, Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio State. With Cignetti, Day, and Smart already having championships under their belts, and Cristobal leading Miami to the finals, the spotlight is firmly on Lanning to deliver.
Oregon's recruiting prowess is undeniable, consistently attracting top talent and excelling in the transfer portal. Yet, the national championship remains elusive. Lanning appears poised to break through where others have not, cutting through the noise and focusing on the ultimate goal.
Lanning finds himself in a group with Freeman, Sarkisian, and Alabama's Kalen DeBoer-coaches who have led playoff teams but are still chasing that championship promise. While Sarkisian might be on the cusp of his moment, if Texas falters, Lanning’s opportunity could be ripe for the taking.
The burning question remains: How will the national media perceive Lanning if he finally brings a championship to Oregon? The Ducks' faithful are certainly eager to find out.