Oregon Ducks Coach Dan Lanning Previews Season as Star Lineman Iapani Laloulu Gains NFL Attention

At the Big Ten media day, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said the Ducks enter the 2026 season with high expectations, noting the return of 14 starters and a strong returning‑production ranking. He highlighted the continuity of the program despite new offensive and defensive coordinators, emphasizing that the team’s success rests on the players’ experience and work ethic.

Senior offensive lineman Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu, a Hawaiian native who shifted to center last season, is projected as one of the top interior linemen for the 2027 NFL Draft. Draft analyst Dane Brugger ranked him sixth among senior interior prospects, and his performance in recent bowl games has drawn significant attention from NFL scouts.