Good times seem to roll in the Oregon Ducks’ hood. After all, Dan Lanning and Co. are riding high after a solid 35-0 win that left the Purdue Boilermakers stewing. That’s definitely a reason to celebrate, but head coach Dan Lanning isn’t getting caught up in the hype. Instead of partying, his focus is laser-sharp on what’s next. With recruiting season in full swing, Lanning’s attention is locked on bringing in fresh talent, ready to shape the future of the team. And he’s got a big fish on his hook—5-star QB Jared Curtis who recently cut off ties with Georgia.

While Curtis has yet to get the confirmation ticket for his next destination, he has already dropped big hints in Oregon’s favor. Does that mean Lanning’s fiery pitch finally came to some good use? Not just this. The Ducks are also projected to land the No.1 overall recruit in 2026.        

How Dan Lanning makes the most use of Georgia’s fresh loss

The No. 4 recruit in the ESPN Junior 300, Jared Curtis is ESPN’s top quarterback prospect in the 2026 cycle. Right before Kirby Smart and Georgia headed to Texas for their Week 8 face-off, the QB thought of decommitting from the Bulldogs. What made it so easy to cut ties? Well, he too knows that he is going to make a loud noise in the recruiting scene when, during his freshman season in 2022, he threw for 27 touchdowns and led Nashville Christian to a 10-3 record in his freshman season. Now that his portal is open again, he will be exploring SEC powerhouses. But looks like, Curtis is already certain about his next destination. On October 21, he launched a not-so-sneaky clue bomb, “My interest in Oregon is above the others right now.”

You must be wondering what had put Lanning in the driver’s seat, right? As CBS Sports analyst Adam Breneman rightly pointed out, the Ducks HC is among the top 3 recruiters in college football. And what made Curtis not go for the other two and choose Lanning? Must have been the HC’s sly yet fiery pitch, “If you see any good players, tell them to come here.” It’s not too hard to get the catch, right? Here, Lanning plays with the players’ emotions, as it now goes without saying that those who commit to the Ducks are good players. Besides Curtis, they are now aiming for the No.1.    

The hot streak of Dan Lanning’s recruitment

Things have turned for the better for the Ducks this season. Moving into week 8, they are now the No.1 team in the country. I know the feeling folks! Didn’t you think the Ducks were a bit shaky in those first two games against Idaho and Boise State? Even though they won, it wasn’t exactly a blowout. Well, here they are coming off stronger winning by wide margins en route to a 7-0 start. 

Now, this hustle and bustle game had to come up with some benefits for Lanning. Looks like Oregon is now reaping the fruits of their hard work on the recruitment front. Moving forward as one of the best recruiters in the nation, the HC is making waves in reeling in the No.1 recruit in 2026. And who is that? 

It’s none other than the five-star edge rusher Zion Elee. This kid is a superstar holding a rank of No.16 and No.71 nationally. The 6’3″ 220 lbs lean and athletic phenom would add another elite piece to Oregon’s puzzle. Now let’s see whether Dan Lanning can earn the trust of the missing piece.