Lanning Keeps Ducks Focused Despite Modest CFP Ranking

The Oregon Ducks have put together an impressive 7–1 campaign, displaying dominance in several key matchups this season. Their lone blemish—a surprising loss to Indiana—did little to shake their confidence, as they continue to perform like one of college football’s most complete teams. However, when the first College Football Playoff rankings were released, Oregon landed at No. 9, a position that surprised many fans and analysts who expected a higher placement based on their on-field results.

While the ranking drew skepticism, the reality is that Oregon’s overall résumé doesn’t yet compare to some of the other top contenders. Strength of schedule and quality wins remain significant factors in the committee’s early assessments. Despite this, head coach Dan Lanning maintains a clear message for his team: keep winning, and everything else will follow.

Lanning appeared on ESPN Radio’s Amber & Fitz to discuss the initial rankings and his outlook on the season. His tone reflected patience and composure, underscoring his belief that the Ducks’ destiny remains in their own hands. “The rankings don’t really matter right now,” Lanning said. “If we keep doing our job, everything will fall into place.”

For a program that has consistently competed near the top of the college football landscape in recent years, Oregon’s confidence is rooted not in media perception, but in performance. With key games ahead, the Ducks still have every opportunity to prove they belong among the sport’s elite.

1. Lanning’s Message: “Just Go Win”

Lanning’s perspective on the rankings reflects the pragmatic leadership style he has shown since arriving in Eugene. He noted that early CFP rankings often rely heavily on preseason assumptions about strength of schedule and perceived team quality. Oregon’s victory over Penn State was once viewed as a marquee win, but Penn State’s subsequent struggles softened the résumé boost the Ducks hoped for. Still, Lanning pointed out that several opponents have exceeded expectations, including Northwestern, which has proven to be more competitive than initially projected. “There’s no secret,” he said. “We play some really good teams these last four weeks. Iowa, USC, Washington, and Minnesota are all tough teams.” His message to the team is simple and consistent: the best way to improve their position is to win. “Kind of like I said before, it all takes care of itself. Just go win,” Lanning added. “And if you don’t win, that’s on you. So what do we have to do? We have to go win. That’s the secret sauce.” That mindset has defined Oregon’s approach under Lanning — disciplined, focused, and resistant to distractions. The Ducks understand that their path to the playoff doesn’t depend on outside noise but on executing through a challenging final stretch.

2. Learning from a Slip-Up and Building Momentum

The Ducks’ lone defeat this season—a 24–21 home loss to Indiana—served as a reality check. It was a rare misstep for a team that had otherwise dominated opponents with balanced offense and strong defensive play. Since that loss, Oregon has rebounded convincingly with back-to-back wins, signaling that their championship drive remains intact. Their 56–10 dismantling of Rutgers showcased the offense at its most explosive, while the following week’s 21–7 win over Wisconsin demonstrated their ability to adapt and grind out a result in difficult conditions. The latter was played in heavy rain, a setting that demanded patience and defensive resilience rather than highlight-reel performances. The contrast between those two games illustrates Oregon’s versatility—a key attribute for any playoff contender. They can outscore opponents in shootouts but also control tempo and win ugly when the situation demands it. Lanning has repeatedly praised his team’s composure and adaptability, citing them as critical to long-term success. The Ducks’ upcoming stretch will test that balance further, with four consecutive games against conference opponents vying for postseason relevance. How Oregon navigates this slate will determine whether their current ranking is a temporary undervaluation or a sign of the committee’s skepticism.

3. Blocking Out the Noise

Lanning’s comments also reflect a broader philosophy: ignore external validation and focus on what can be controlled. Despite media speculation about playoff scenarios, Lanning said he pays little attention to the weekly rankings, knowing how volatile they can be in November. “I’ve never spent a lot of time worrying about it,” he said. “You control your own destiny by what you do, and there’s a lot of time left in the season.” This approach has been a stabilizing force for a program that has experienced its share of highs and heartbreaks in recent years. Oregon’s blend of veteran leadership and youthful explosiveness gives them a foundation to sustain a late-season push without being distracted by polls or narratives. The Ducks’ challenge now is consistency. They cannot afford another misstep, especially with a demanding schedule featuring matchups against USC and Washington — both teams capable of shaking up the playoff picture themselves. For Lanning and his players, the path forward remains crystal clear: focus on execution, stay healthy, and trust the process. If they handle their business, the rankings will take care of themselves — just as Lanning promised.