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Dan Lanning breaks down Oregon football's first spring scrimmage
TL;DR
Oregon football coach Dan Lanning discussed the team's first spring scrimmage on April 11 at Autzen Stadium, emphasizing his desire to see team cohesion. He remained tight-lipped about specific player performances and details of the scrimmage as the Ducks prepare for the 2026 season.
In typical fashion, Oregon football coach Dan Lanning didn't reveal much about the Ducks' closed-door scrimmage April 11 at Autzen Stadium, their first such spring practice period.
The fifth-year coach has rarely gone into detail about what exactly transpires during scrimmages, no matter what time of year it is, and reiterated that he won't delve into names of players stepping up through the first few weeks of spring ball either.
That said, Lanning spoke at length about what he wants to see from his team, still months away from opening its 2026 season in September and how his team functioned as a group during their first competitive scrimmage Saturday.
Here's what Lanning had to say about the Ducks' first scrimmage of the spring.
Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Charlie Pickard runs the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford warms up during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon kicker Andrew Boyle demonstrates his skills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington kicks during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher competes in the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon defensive back Jadon Canady competes in the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, left, talks to defensive back Dillon Thieneman during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon defensive back Theran Johnson in the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
NFL scouts time the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford runs the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson warms up during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Charlie Pickard runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson runs during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. hauls in a reception during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson carries the ball during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq hauls in a reception during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, right, hits offensive lineman Matthew Bedford during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson speaks to reporters during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford, right, and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman helps inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher warm up during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning attends Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher makes a reception during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher participates in drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon quarterback Brock Thomas throws for defensive players during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon defensive back Theran Johnson makes a catch during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon defensive back Jadon Canady goes up for a catch during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher speaks to reporters during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Charlie Pickard runs the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford warms up during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon kicker Andrew Boyle demonstrates his skills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington kicks during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher competes in the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon defensive back Jadon Canady competes in the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, left, talks to defensive back Dillon Thieneman during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon defensive back Theran Johnson in the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
NFL scouts time the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford runs the 40-yard dash during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson warms up during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Charlie Pickard runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson runs during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq runs drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. hauls in a reception during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson carries the ball during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq hauls in a reception during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, right, hits offensive lineman Matthew Bedford during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson speaks to reporters during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon offensive lineman Matthew Bedford, right, and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman helps inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher warm up during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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Dan Lanning on Dante Moore, NFL Draft, USC social trolling
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning attends Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher makes a reception during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher participates in drills during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon quarterback Brock Thomas throws for defensive players during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon defensive back Theran Johnson makes a catch during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon defensive back Jadon Canady goes up for a catch during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
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See inside Oregon football's Pro Day as athletes audition for NFL
Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher speaks to reporters during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon.
Dan Lanning wants to see better from coaches, players after first scrimmage
Lanning seemed mostly pleased about the Ducks' energy during their first scrimmage and mentioned that the focus of the day was seeing who could just "play football." Tackling, blocking and catching were the emphasis, while the specifics would start coming later.
He revealed the Ducks committed six penalties, which he admitted wasn't very high, but also that he wants to see better out of the coaching staff.
"More operational stuff from the coaching staff, things that we got to be able to do a good job of on both sides of the ball," Lanning said. "Coaching situations a little bit better, being a little bit cleaner, and execution, the rotations we want to see out there on the field. From a player standpoint, just assignment, knowing my job. We like being a team that can do multiple things in multiple personnel groups. Guys got to know what that looks like when they get out there."
'Our knowledge as a team right now is ahead of where it was last year'
Because the Ducks are returning so many players from last season, including starting quarterback Dante Moore, Lanning has been impressed with where his team's knowledge of the game and schemes is at this point in the spring.
"From a knowledge standpoint, we're certainly ahead of where we've been at times," Lanning said. "I think there's some positives that are really showing up there."
Oregon's entire defensive line is back in 2026, including A'Mauri Washington, Bear Alexander, Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti, along with running backs like Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill and receivers Evan Stewart, Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan. As a result, Lanning says there's been "good back and forth" through the early going of the spring.
"There's certainly days defense has won, there's certainly days offense has won," Lanning said. "I think it always starts off in spring ball where the defense has a little bit of an edge up, because it's hard to create that speed that's going to show up in a scrimmage-like setting. But we've had good back and forth consistently. I think our knowledge as a team right now is ahead of where it was last year at this point."
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, seen here before the game against Oregon State last September, talked in generalizations April 11 after his team's first scrimmage of spring practice but said he saw some good plays being made.
'There were real positives on both sides': Lanning says young players are stepping up
Lanning wouldn't reveal names but said several newcomers and young faces made splash plays in the scrimmage Saturday.
"There were real positives on both sides," Lanning said. "I saw young guys out there that proved that they can play high-level football."
Lanning opened meetings Saturday by showing clips of sophomores like Nasir Wyatt and Jordon Davison and how they performed in their first scrimmages and how that set the tone for stellar freshman campaigns.
He also showed clips of stalwarts like former tight end Kenyon Sadiq and asked his players, "Who's going to replace that?"
"Those are the things I need to see today," Lanning said. "I think some guys really stepped up."
Alec Dietz covers University of Oregon football and women’s basketball for The Register-Guard. You may reach him atadietz@registerguard.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon football's Dan Lanning breaks down first scrimmage of spring
Q&A
What did Dan Lanning say about Oregon football's first spring scrimmage?
Dan Lanning emphasized the importance of team cohesion during the scrimmage but did not provide specific details about player performances.
When is Oregon football's 2026 season opener?
Oregon football's 2026 season opener is scheduled for September.
Where did Oregon football hold their first spring scrimmage?
The first spring scrimmage took place at Autzen Stadium.
How has Dan Lanning typically handled media discussions about scrimmages?
Dan Lanning has rarely shared detailed information about scrimmages, maintaining a focus on team performance rather than individual players.
