During his speech at the podium at SEC Media Days last week Georgia coach Kirby Smart joked that he would love to get some of the NIL money that Nike co-founder and Oregon alum Phil Knight is allegedly sharing with his alma mater to bolster recruiting. In a Wednesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, it was Lanning’s turn to jab back at his mentor.
“I think it’s impressive that guys like Kirby have been signing the No. 1 class in the nation without any NIL money this entire time,” Lanning said jokingly. “Obviously, Coach Smart took a little shot at us. If you want to be a top 10 team in college football, you better have great support. We have that.”
Whatever the reason, Lanning has run with the opportunity since taking over at Oregon. Earlier this month he secured a commitment from Dakorien Moore, the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to 247Sports and the top recruit in program history. Last year, he landed the No. 3 high school and No. 2 transfer class in the nation, headlined by Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel and Texas A&M receiver Evan Stewart.
“It’s 1+1+1,” Lanning said. “It’s also the 300 teams that came and visited us this spring. It’s the 23 satellite camps. It’s our staff. It’s our alignment with our entire university that makes recruiting work.”
In two seasons Lanning is 22-5 with the Ducks, including a berth in the 2023 Pac-12 Championship Game. His Ducks are considered a favorite to contend with Ohio State in the Big Ten and earn their second-ever trip to the College Football Playoff.
Lanning was a relatively unknown linebackers coach at Memphis when he was hired to Smart’s Georgia staff in 2018 as outside linebackers coach. One year later, he took over the defense at 33 years old and helped lead the Bulldogs to a 2023 national championship. The relationship between Lanning and Smart is strong.
“I consider [Smart] a great mentor and I wouldn’t be here if not for guys like that,” Lanning said. “He’s changed my career. I’ve probably learned more from Coach Smart than any other coach that I’ve worked with in my entire career.”
