Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning has proven to be a master of the transfer portal. Since taking over the football program, Lanning has led Oregon to a 36-5 record, with transfer quarterbacks and key transfers contributing significantly to the team’s success.
One of the latest additions is defensive lineman Bear Alexander, who joins his third program in four years. Can Lanning’s transfer success continue with Alexander?
Lanning’s track record is impressive. Both of his transfer quarterbacks, Bo Nix (2022-2023) and Dillon Gabriel (2024), performed exceptionally well as Ducks, earning Heisman Trophy finalist spots. Nix was drafted No. 12 by the Denver Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft and has made an immediate impact as a rookie. Gabriel set multiple NCAA records, becoming the all-time leader in total touchdowns (183) while ranking second in passing touchdowns (153), passing yards (18,423), and total yards (19,675). Gabriel has enhanced his NFL prospects and helped Oregon secure the Big Ten title in its first year in the conference, as well as the No. 1 ranking in the College Football Playoff.
Lanning’s transfer success extends beyond quarterbacks. Players like defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, cornerback Jabbar Muhammad, wide receivers Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart, safety Kobe Savage, kicker Atticus Sappington, and defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell have all played pivotal roles in Oregon’s 13-0 season.
Lanning’s relentless recruiting of elite talent through the transfer portal has led to top-10 portal classes over the past three years. However, it’s his culture and team-building approach that sets up these talented players for success. Lanning views the team as a family, emphasizing connection, growth, toughness, and sacrifice.
An example of Lanning’s family-like approach is when he personally picked up transfer offensive lineman Matthew Bedford at the airport, treating him like a family member on his first visit to Eugene.
Now, Bear Alexander, a top transfer defensive lineman from USC, joins the Ducks. Alexander, who has played for four different high schools and three colleges, is looking to stabilize his career at Oregon. The 6-3, 315-pound junior has shown great potential, as a former four-star recruit and the top uncommitted defensive lineman in the transfer portal before choosing Oregon. After a solid freshman year at Georgia, he transferred to USC, where he recorded 47 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a sophomore, starting all 13 games in 2023. However, Alexander played a limited role in 2024 before deciding to redshirt.
Alexander has faced challenges, including public criticisms from his father on social media, which USC head coach Lincoln Riley addressed. Riley criticized the current redshirt rules, suggesting players should have five years of eligibility to play as much or as little as they want, unless injuries shorten their seasons.
Tez Johnson, who transferred to Oregon from Troy in 2023, highlighted the unique atmosphere of Eugene, where football is the main focus. In an interview, Johnson explained that there are fewer distractions compared to larger cities like Los Angeles, allowing players to concentrate on their goals.
This quieter, football-centric environment, combined with Lanning’s strong team culture, might be exactly what Alexander needs to reach his full potential.
Alexander expressed optimism on social media, stating, “It’s time to claim what’s rightfully yours. Had a few setbacks but never set back!!!” With Lanning now leading the No. 3 ranked transfer portal class in 2025, there’s reason for both Alexander and the Ducks to be hopeful about the future.
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