This Friday, January 9, in Atlanta, the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers square off against the Oregon Ducks for round two. But for Dan Lanning and the Ducks, it’s a rough patch as they are burdened with a massive list of injured players. With Lanning’s running back, Jordan Davison, now sidelined, the Ducks were one player away from hitting the unlucky dozen.

“Freshman RB Jordan Davison is listed as out,” reported Oregon Ducks beat reporter for USA Today, Zachary Neel, on January 6. “Rumors have been swirling about a collarbone injury suffered vs. Texas Tech.”

Oregon jumped out to a commanding 48-13 lead against James Madison before cruising to a 51-34 CFP first-round win. But something toned down the excitement of Lanning’s squad. Jordon Davison exited the game, grimacing, needing teammates to escort him to the locker room as he kept weight off his right foot.

But Lanning was still confident about Davison’s return. 

“I think he’ll be in good shape for this next game,” said the Ducks head coach during his Orange Bowl press conference. 

But the chances are really slim. The Ducks will be without Davison on Friday, as the team confirmed the running back is out with a broken clavicle he suffered during the Ducks’ Orange Bowl win over Texas Tech. Now, this void will be challenging for the Ducks to fill.

Davison has been a centerpiece of Lanning’s offense this season, piling up 667 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 113 carries. The freshman chipped in 59 rushing yards and four catches against Indiana on October 11, then broke the century mark on the ground in wins over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Davison is just one name in Lanning’s long list of players who are “OUT”. The count comes to 12. Oregon’s top returning pass catcher from 2024, Evan Stewart, suffered a knee injury during June workouts, missed the regular season, and is officially listed as out against Indiana.

Da’Jaun Riggs is still with Lanning’s program, but he’s been stuck on the injury report since late October. The redshirt freshman last saw action against Rutgers, carrying five times for 35 yards.

Cut to Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers, seven players on the “OUT” list. Following the Big Ten Championship, the program confirmed Stephen Daley will miss the rest of the season after suffering what was described as a “serious” leg injury.

A total of 19 players will be sidelined for the playoff semifinal, including those from Lanning’s Ducks and Cignetti’s Hoosiers. Back in October, the Colorado Buffaloes-Iowa State matchup featured a whopping 38 combined players who were sidelined.

While Lanning is already struggling with the injured players, the transfer portal has just added to the pain. 

Transfer portal woes pile up for Dan Lanning ahead of Peach Bowl

With Davison sidelined and the rest of the availability report accounted for, Lanning and the Ducks head into the Peach Bowl with just three running backs. Leading rusher Noah Whittington and true freshman Dierre Hill Jr. are the only healthy scholarship backs available.

Significantly, Jay Harris and Makhi Hughes had already confirmed their intention to dip their toes elsewhere. On January 6, Jayden Limar joined the duo by posting an update on his transfer portal status on Instagram. 

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Lanning’s defensive back room had already taken a hit as he lost the commitment of five defensive backs. The individuals who initially led the mass exodus were Solomon Davis, Dakoda Fields, Jahlil Florence, Sione Laulea, and Kingston Lopa. Then Daylen Austin tagged along.

Programs like Colorado are on a full-on recruiting heater. On Tuesday, January 6, the Buffs secured commitments from three all-conference defenders as part of a 10-transfer pickup.

Dan Lanning and Oregon are still searching for their rhythm on the trail. With just Keaton Emmett and Bailey Ettridge committed, the Ducks risk giving Indiana a psychological edge heading into the matchup.