Top quotes from Dan Lanning, Curt Cignetti presser before Peach Bowl

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Dan Lanning has become one of the best coaches in all of college football since he came to the Oregon Ducks back in 2021. He has improved this team incrementally each year and has taken them to the College Football Playoff in back-to-back seasons.

Lanning has an opportunity to clinch his fourth straight season with an improved record tomorrow, and it coincides with a rematch against the Indiana Hoosiers, who his team suffered their only loss to back in October.

The Ducks were nearly matching the Hoosiers through three quarters, before a Dante Moore interception eventually extended the deficit to 10 points, which was ultimately the difference in the game. But that was nearly three months ago, and both of these teams have been rolling for a long time now.

Lanning was joined by Indiana coach Curt Cignetti to discuss the game, so let’s look at what they had to say.

Opening Statements

Lanning: First off, it's an incredible honor to be here. I want to thank Gary and his representatives here at the Peach Bowl. One thing that makes this game fun is recognizing how many things the Peach Bowl actually does outside of just this football game.

It's something my wife, Sauphia, and I have been able to be a part of and are really grateful for the service that the Peach Bowl provides. Truly honored to play a team like Indiana. They've obviously done an incredible job. You look at the body of work of Coach Cignetti and his crew and the way his team plays — they're playing as good as anybody else in the nation.

We already started off this morning competing. He beat me here a little bit. I walked back there and they were having us sign balls, and he got a jump start. So I quickly went into two-minute mode trying to catch up. His signatures looked a lot better than mine, but I put some pressure on him at the end. There were a bunch of balls — it was a fun challenge.

This game is what college football is about. Two tough teams, two really complete teams — offense, defense, special teams. No weaknesses. Ultimately, both teams are about team football. Not one player, not one individual, but a group that has collectively earned this position. It's an honor for Oregon to be one of the teams participating.

Cignetti: I can't say enough great things about Oregon. I have a lot of respect for Coach Lanning, their team, what they've put on tape, and what they've accomplished. They're good in all three phases. They're a great football team.

People say it's hard to beat a great team twice. Well, it's hard to beat a great team, period. There's a reason for that. It should be a great game. Looking forward to getting better today, and we'll see everybody tomorrow.

Contract Dispute

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, left, confronts an official in search of a call as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Q: What are your thoughts on college football contract enforceability?

Lanning: My entire focus right now is on this game. Obviously contracts are supposed to mean something, and at some point we’ll see what that looks like.

Juggling Act

Q: How do you balance preparation with the chaos of the transfer portal?

Lanning: It’s a juggle. We try to keep our main focus on this game. Recruiting happens every day, but we communicate clearly with recruits that the priority right now is preparing to play in a game like this.

Cignetti: We got back very late after our last game. We lost probably nine or ten total hours of prep across a couple days. You rely on your staff more, but it stresses evaluation and recruiting. You make the best of it.

Roots

Q: What did you learn from Kirby Smart?

Lanning: I couldn’t put into words what I learned from Coach Smart. He’s an unbelievable mentor. He’s genuine, consistent, incredibly intelligent, and runs a program the right way. He also adapts. I’m grateful for my time with him — it absolutely prepared me for moments like this.

Self-Motivated

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning takes the field with his team for warmups as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Q: What are your thoughts on getting your players motivated for a game like this?

Lanning: Motivation is overrated. Players have to go play. If you can’t get up for this opportunity, shame on us.

Injury Update

Oregon running back Jay Harris carries the ball for a touchdown as Minnesota defensive back Jai'Onte' McMillan pursues as the Oregon Ducks host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Nov. 14, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Q: Will Jay Harris be available for this game?

Lanning: Yes.

Reflection

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning as the Oregon Ducks take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Q: What have you learned about yourself this season?

Lanning: Gratitude. I’m grateful to be part of this. My family’s here. You don’t always stop to enjoy it in this profession, but I’m thankful.

Any Means Necessary

Q: What are the keys to victory?

Lanning: Ball security and special teams.

Cignetti: Line of scrimmage, turnovers, explosive plays, critical situations, and special teams.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Top quotes from Dan Lanning before CFP Peach Bowl vs. Indiana Hoosiers

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