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Modern Big Ten supremacy is at stake in the upcoming Rose Bowl, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. For many reporters and viewers at Lucas Oil Stadium, this event marks a significant introduction to Coach Dan Lanning, who has rapidly emerged as a pivotal figure within the conference. As the 2024 season approaches, Oregon stands proudly at No. 3 in both the AP Poll and the AFCA Coaches Poll, the highest ranking among Big Ten teams other than Ohio State. This elevated status places Lanning under considerable pressure compared to his peers at USC, UCLA, and Washington, who also transitioned from the now-defunct Pac-12. In his opening statements, Lanning emphasized Oregon’s identity and aspirations for the future.
“What should the Big Ten know about Oregon?” Lanning posed, highlighting the Ducks’ uniqueness. “We’re mighty different, mighty different in a lot of ways. … We’re mighty different when it comes to the jerseys we get to wear or the facilities we’re in. We’re innovative. We’ve always been on the cutting edge of everything we do. We certainly positioned ourselves to be on the cutting edge, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten.”
Oregon is positioning itself as a formidable contender against the traditional powerhouses of the Big Ten, such as Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. While these established programs have enjoyed historical dominance, the Ducks have made significant strides under Lanning’s leadership. They achieved their first ten-win season in 2000 and have since recorded 12 such seasons in the last 17 years, including three consecutive victories under Lanning. Although Oregon still seeks its first national championship, their impending Rose Bowl clash with Ohio State, a team they previously defeated in mid-October, feels like a defining moment for contemporary Big Ten dominance.
The Ducks’ success can be attributed to robust financial support from Oregon’s Division Street collective and Lanning’s relentless focus on assembling a competitive roster. Lanning’s recruiting efforts have propelled Oregon from 13th nationally in 2022 to 3rd in 2024, surpassing even Ohio State. This shift marks a notable change in the recruiting landscape, with Oregon becoming the first team other than Ohio State to lead the conference’s recruiting rankings since Michigan did so in 2019.
Currently, Oregon’s recruiting class is ranked fifth nationally and boasts the highest average prospect score (93.85) in the country, with nine players ranked among the top 131 overall. Notably, the Ducks successfully flipped five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord from Ohio State, marking the second consecutive year they attracted a blue-chip recruit from their rival. Since Lanning’s arrival, no players have decommitted from Oregon to join the Buckeyes.
“When we’re evaluating talent that can come here and help us,” Lanning explained, “[we want to know] are you looking for the best opportunity, or are you looking for the easiest opportunity or most convenient opportunity? In our program, we talk about sacrifice. Sometimes you sacrifice distance for the right place, the right fit, the right place you’re going to develop. And we’ve had a lot of success doing that.”
Although Ohio State maintains a slight edge in high school recruiting, Lanning has effectively utilized the transfer portal to bolster his roster. After achieving the 23rd-best transfer class in his first season, Oregon climbed to ninth in 2023 and second in 2024, securing key players across various positions. This strategic use of the portal illustrates how financial resources can significantly influence team composition.
In contrast, Ohio State only recently embraced the transfer portal’s potential, assembling a top-25 class this past offseason. Notable additions include elite players from Alabama and Ole Miss, enhancing their roster’s depth and talent. Despite this, Ryan Day emphasizes the importance of high school recruiting as the foundation of the program, ensuring stability and continuity.
The excitement surrounding both teams’ roster-building achievements was palpable during their regular-season matchup at Autzen Stadium on October 12, which ended in a narrow 32-31 victory for Oregon. Many viewed this clash as a preview of the Big Ten Championship Game, with both teams favored to return to Lucas Oil Stadium in December. While Oregon has remained undefeated in conference play, Ohio State faced a setback against Michigan, altering their path to the championship.
Now, their rematch holds even greater significance as they compete in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal, with both modern Big Ten supremacy and the opportunity for a national championship on the line.
“We’re extremely excited about obviously getting to play a great opponent in Ohio State,” Lanning stated. “I think that’s a great representation of what the Big Ten is capable of, having these two teams with the opportunity to face off in ‘The Granddaddy of Them All.’”
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