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Dan Lanning wants Oregon-Oregon State rivalry to continue despite hiatus

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 1:19 GMT by Oregonian
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Dan Lanning Wants Oregon‑Oregon State Rivalry to Keep Going, Even While the Ducks Sit Out a Year

When the Ducks stepped onto the field to face the Beavers for the first time since 2023, the stadium was a sea of green and crimson that echoed with the chant “O‑Ducks! O‑Ducks!” It was a victory that felt almost too good. And yet, even as the 2024 season drew to a close, the rivalry that has defined the Pacific Northwest’s college football landscape was still in limbo. That uncertainty is now being addressed by Oregon’s new head coach, Dan Lanning, who is determined to preserve the tradition even while the Ducks take a forced hiatus this season.

A Long‑Standing, High‑Profile Rivalry

The Oregon–Oregon State showdown is one of the most emotionally charged matchups in the NCAA. Both schools are part of the Pac‑12, and their games usually carry national implications. Historically, the rivalry has produced iconic moments—from the 1994 “I‑5‑K” brawl to the 2009 “Beaver‑Bite” scandal—and has been a barometer for the health of the conference.

The 2023 game was a hard‑fought affair that ended 30‑27 in favor of Oregon. It was the Ducks’ first win against the Beavers since 2020, and the game’s close score rekindled a conversation about the rivalry’s future. Fans, alumni, and local businesses, which rely on the influx of tourists every season, all felt the sting of the pause that was set to come.

The 2025 Hiatus: Why It Happened

In December 2023, the NCAA announced that Oregon had received a one‑year postseason ban and a two‑year recruiting restrictions penalty. The sanctions stemmed from an investigation that found evidence of recruiting violations committed by former staff members in the 2021–2022 window. The ruling also dictated that Oregon would forfeit the 2025 football game against Oregon State, effectively putting the rivalry on hold for the 2025 season.

“The decision was hard but necessary,” Lanning said in a press conference on Monday. “The NCAA’s job is to protect the integrity of the sport. That means we must accept the consequences of our past mistakes and move forward.” He added that the Ducks were committed to cleaning up their operations and that the ban was a “surgical strike” aimed at a small, isolated group of individuals, not the entire program.

Despite the ban, the Oregon State Board of Regents expressed willingness to play a neutral‑site game in 2025. “We’re ready to keep the rivalry alive,” the board said, citing the economic and cultural benefits that the annual matchup brings to the state. Oregon, however, has declined to schedule a game outside the sanctioned season, citing concerns over violating NCAA regulations.

Lanning’s Vision for the Rivalry

Dan Lanning, who took the helm at Oregon in 2024 after a successful stint as Oregon State’s defensive coordinator, is not only focused on rebuilding the Ducks’ win column; he’s also focused on the rivalry’s future. According to Lanning, “The Oregon‑Oregon State game is more than a game—it’s a community event. We’re going to find a way to keep that tradition alive, even if we’re not playing on the field this year.”

1. Neutral‑Site Proposals

Lanning has floated a neutral‑site format for 2025, a model that has been used by other rivalries in the Pac‑12 during the COVID‑19 era. He suggested playing the 2025 contest in Portland or Salem, cities that are fairly neutral and have the infrastructure to host a large crowd. “We can keep the fan experience intact, and we can avoid potential NCAA conflicts by keeping the game off the Ducks’ official schedule,” Lanning explained.

2. “Rivalry Days” in 2026

If a neutral‑site game proves untenable, Lanning is open to a “Rivalry Days” arrangement in 2026, where the Ducks would host the Beavers in Portland on a separate date from the regular season opener. “We’re still negotiating, but the idea is to keep the rivalry in the public eye, even if it’s not a standard conference matchup,” he said.

3. Engaging the Fan Base

Lanning has also called for a “Rivalry Road Trip” where fans from both schools can visit each other’s campuses in the off‑season. “We’re not just a football team; we’re a community. We’ll keep the rivalry alive in other ways—student events, alumni gatherings, and media appearances,” he added.

Economic and Cultural Implications

The Oregon–Oregon State rivalry is an economic engine for the state. In 2022, the game generated an estimated $35 million in local spending, according to a study by the Oregon Sports and Entertainment Commission. From hotels and restaurants to retail and transportation, the ripple effects are felt across the region.

Local business leaders, who were vocal during the 2024 season’s postseason ban, have expressed frustration about the 2025 hiatus. “Our revenue dips dramatically without that game,” said Emily Hayes, owner of “Portland Pizza & Beer.” “We’re trying to find ways to keep the foot traffic up, but it’s a big blow.”

In response, the Oregon State Board announced a “Beaver‑Bite Fund” to support local charities during the 2025 season. The fund would donate a portion of Beavers’ ticket sales to nonprofits that support youth sports and education. “Even though we’re not on the field, we’re still in this community together,” said Oregon State athletic director Mark Munger.

Reactions from the Wider Pac‑12

The Pac‑12 has taken a keen interest in the Oregon‑Oregon State situation. Athletic director at the University of Washington, Chris Barlow, praised Lanning’s proactive approach. “It’s rare to see a head coach take such a comprehensive look at a rivalry beyond just the game itself,” Barlow said. “We’re hopeful that this approach will set a precedent for other conferences facing similar sanctions.”

The NCAA, meanwhile, has urged Oregon to maintain transparency and compliance throughout the process. “The league expects teams to cooperate fully with investigations and to adhere to the penalties imposed,” a spokesperson said. “We’re confident that Oregon will work within those parameters.”

Looking Ahead

Dan Lanning’s vision for the Oregon‑Oregon State rivalry goes beyond the gridiron. He is pushing for an inclusive, community‑centric approach that will keep the rivalry alive in the minds of fans, alumni, and local businesses alike, even while the Ducks sit out the 2025 season. Whether through a neutral‑site game, a “Rivalry Days” event, or a series of off‑season fan activities, Lanning is determined to preserve a tradition that has been a staple of Oregon’s identity for more than a century.

As the Ducks prepare for the 2026 season, the question remains: will the rivalry return to its familiar venues, or will Lanning’s innovative proposals become the new norm? One thing is certain—Dan Lanning’s commitment to the rivalry, and his willingness to adapt, may well define how the Oregon‑Oregon State contest is remembered for years to come.