Since 2003, the SEC has won 14 National Championships—eight during the BCS era and six under the College Football Playoff format. While Nick Saban had a massive hand in that run, you cannot deny the consistent dominance this conference has displayed over the last two decades.
It seems, though, that the sun might finally be setting on one era and rising on another.
Allow me to explain:
- 2023: Michigan won its first National Championship since 1997.
- 2024: Ohio State won its third National Championship since 2002.
- 2025: The Indiana Hoosiers—yes, you read that right—won their first-ever national championship in program history.
What does this mean? It suggests that another conference may be ready to take over the reins of college football supremacy.
The Big Ten has always maintained a strong foothold in the sport. You need only look at its blue bloods—Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State—to know this conference is no stranger to greatness. But now that the Big Ten has expanded and added even more powerhouses, it is primed to go toe-to-toe with the SEC—and perhaps even surpass it.
Dan Lanning and the Rise of Oregon
With the last three national champions originating from the Big Ten, the conference is eyeing four in a row. I think I know the school that can deliver it: Oregon.
Was that a laugh or a quack? If you’re a Ducks fan, it can be both.
Head Coach Dan Lanning arrived in Eugene in 2022 backed by immense praise from his former boss, Kirby Smart. Lanning served on Smart’s staff at Georgia from 2018 to 2021, starting as outside linebackers coach before being quickly promoted to defensive coordinator—a role that helped the Bulldogs win their first national championship since 1980.
So far, Lanning’s record in Eugene stands at 48–8, featuring three bowl victories and a Big Ten conference championship in 2024.
That is a staggering set of accomplishments for just four seasons. However, the recurring obstacle in Eugene has been the “trap game”—that one stumble taking the Ducks out of national title contention.
A Recap of the Past Four Seasons:
- 2022: Getting his feet wet in his first year as a head coach, Lanning suffered a 49–3 reality check against his former team, Georgia, in Week 1. The Ducks bounced back admirably to finish 10–3 with a Holiday Bowl win over North Carolina.
- 2023: Oregon came out firing, winning five straight before losing a nail-biter to rival Washington. After rebounding, the Ducks faced Washington again in the Pac-12 Championship, dropping another close contest before capping the year with a Fiesta Bowl win over Liberty.
- 2024: By his third season, Lanning had his team firing on all cylinders—going undefeated in the regular season and defeating Penn State for the Big Ten title. Though they earned a top spot in the 12-team playoff, they fell to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
- 2025: Once again looking like a top contender, Oregon won five straight before being tripped up midway through the year by Indiana. The Ducks bounced back to make the playoff field, but ultimately fell to those same Cinderella Hoosiers in the semifinals.
Lanning’s teams are disciplined, well-coached, explosive, and packed with talent. The issue over the last few years hasn’t been a lack of quality; it’s simply that there was one team on the schedule that proved just a little bit better on game day.
The 2026 Outlook
Looking strictly at recent power rankings, Oregon’s 2026 slate might not look daunting at first glance. Only one opponent on this year’s schedule made the playoff last season (Ohio State). However, nobody should be shocked if Boise State, USC, Michigan, or Washington make serious playoff runs of their own. If those programs step up and Oregon takes care of business, it will heavily boost the Ducks’ resume come December.
Lanning returns 14 starters in 2026, headlined by quarterback Dante Moore, who returns to guide this high-powered offense. The sophomore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns with a 71.8% completion rate last season. Wideout Evan Stewart also returns after missing last season due to a knee injury, providing Moore with a elite downfield threat. Furthermore, Oregon returns its entire defensive line, which should keep constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
All that to say: Oregon’s time is now.
They have been sitting on the cusp of ultimate greatness for years. With this roster and coaching staff, the rest of the Big Ten—and the SEC—better watch out.
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