The Oregon Ducks football program has been a hot topic at this year’s SEC Media Days, with coach Dan Lanning, the influence of Nike, and the transformative impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals grabbing the spotlight. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who worked closely with Lanning during his tenure as Georgia’s defensive coordinator, couldn’t help but express a hint of envy when discussing his former colleague.
“This year, we took Nike, who I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting Phil Knight and his wonderful wife Penny,” Smart remarked on day two of SEC Media Days. “And I wish I could get some of that NIL money that he’s sharing with Dan Lanning. But that’s another note.”
Lanning’s impressive coaching career at Georgia, which included helping the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and a National Championship in 2021-22, has set high expectations for his leadership at Oregon. Lanning will have the chance to respond to Smart’s comments during the Big Ten media days at the end of July, where he will be joined by linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, tight end Terrance Ferguson, and transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
The introduction of NIL has dramatically changed the college football landscape, and the Oregon Ducks are among the programs that have adapted most swiftly and effectively. The Ducks are excelling in this new era, partly due to the efforts of Oregon’s Division Street NIL collective, widely recognized as one of the most innovative and successful in the country.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel and receiver Evan Stewart, both high-profile transfers, are ranked among the top 10 NIL earners in college football, holding the 8th and 10th spots respectively. This is a significant achievement, considering neither player has yet to take a snap for Oregon.
Recent reports have highlighted Phil Knight’s substantial support for Oregon’s NIL efforts, suggesting that the Nike co-founder has provided “unlimited NIL” resources for the Ducks. While the idea of a blank check from Knight has raised eyebrows, it underscores the competitive advantage that Oregon possesses in the pursuit of their first national championship in football.
Despite the financial backing, Oregon’s success in recruiting and the transfer portal is rooted in more than just monetary incentives. The Ducks’ strategic move to the Big Ten Conference positions them against top-tier teams like Michigan and Ohio State, attracting recruits and transfer athletes eager to prove themselves against the best competition and advance to the NFL.
Oregon’s football program has a proven track record of producing NFL talent, with notable alumni such as Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, and Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota. This legacy makes Oregon an attractive destination for talented transfer quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore.
As the Ducks prepare for their inaugural season in the Big Ten, the combination of strong NIL support, strategic conference alignment, and a commitment to excellence on the