Oregon just snagged their highest preseason AP ranking ever, landing at a stellar No. 2 in the polls, trailing only the Ohio State Buckeyes. You’d think that’s a moment to puff out your chest a bit, right? A pat on the back for Dan Lanning, who took over in 2021, and how far the program has come. But when asked if he could take a second to appreciate what that No. 2 spot means, Lanning’s response was classic, blunt, and totally unsurprising for anyone who’s been watching him: “Hell no.”
Oregon’s Unprecedented Preseason Hype Just Got Shot Down
This isn’t just another top-tier ranking for the Ducks. They’ve been in the mix for a national championship contender plenty of times, routinely near the top. But No. 2? That’s new territory, folks. They’ve been No. 3 four times before, in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2024. Moving up to that second spot is a legit historical achievement. It signals major respect for what Lanning has built in Eugene, and it throws down the gauntlet for the entire season. Yet, Lanning isn’t buying into the hype, not for a second. The man is all about the grind, all about what happens between the lines.
Lanning’s No-Nonsense Message to the Nation
Why the cold shoulder to a historic ranking? Lanning laid it out plain as day: “Have you ever seen a preseason poll that was right at the end of the year? It just doesn’t happen very often.” He’s right, too. He stressed that these polls are distractions. The people making those lists have zero impact on game day results. For Lanning, it’s about what his team can control, period. This year, the Ducks will square off against four teams currently ranked in the preseason Top 25. That’s a serious slate, and more teams like Oklahoma State, UCLA, or Illinois could impress and join the ranked ranks down the line. It’s clear Lanning wants the play on the field to be the only talk.
What’s next? Forget the polls, forget the pundits. The only thing that matters is getting ready for those real tests ahead. Lanning’s message is loud and clear: prove it on the field, because nobody’s handing out trophies for August rankings. This season, they’ve got to earn every single win, starting now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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