Dan Lanning on why 5-star QBs have success revamping career at Oregon
The Oregon Ducks have a great track record of revamping the careers of former 5-star QBs, and Dan Lanning breaks down why.
Dan Lanning has made a name for himself in several different ways since taking over as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks . From viral quotes to post-game celebrations, Lanning has become one of the most famous and popular coaches in college football. However, one way he has most separated himself and his program during his four years in Eugene is through what they do at the quarterback position.
In the last half-decade, Oregon has become a place for former 5-star quarterbacks who need a reset to revamp their careers. We saw it in 2022 and 2023 with Bo Nix, a former burnt-out Mr. Alabama who turned his career around, becoming a first-round pick and Heisman finalist after two years in Eugene.
A year later, former 5-star Dillon Gabriel found great success running Oregon's offense, leading the Ducks to the College Football Playoff. After that, it was former 5-star Dante Moore who was looking for a restart after struggling mightily as a true freshman with the UCLA Bruins . He came to Oregon, sat for a year, and then flourished as the starter in 2025.
Moore enters 2026 as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy and be a first-round pick next spring. So, why do the Ducks have such a good track record when it comes to giving these high-profile players such a needed reset? According to Lanning, it's because the program focuses on the right things and blocks out the rest.