Dan Lanning Breaks Down Offseason Pursuit of Transfer Michael Bennett

The Oregon Ducks enter the 2026 season with a strong offensive line, including top returners and the addition of several top transfers and recruits, including Michael Bennett from Yale.

Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning enters Kinnick Stadium before the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

One of the biggest factors in the Oregon Ducks' earning their second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance and making a run to the Peach Bowl was the performance of their offensive line.

Throughout the last two seasons, Oregon’s offensive line has been one of the best groups in the country. Next year, it could play a critical role in the Ducks reaching their goal of winning their first national championship in program history.

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning leads his team onto the field prior to the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In addition to the return of Iapani Laloulu, Dave Iuli, and Gernorris Wilson, the Ducks also bring in Yale transfer offensive lineman Michael Bennett, who committed to the Ducks on Jan. 12. As a transfer prospect out of Yale, Bennett was rated as the No. 75 overall offensive tackle, per 247Sports.  

Oregon coach Dan Lanning recently had some high praise for the former Yale star. Here’s what Lanning said about why Oregon pursued Bennett in the transfer portal this offseason. 

What Led Oregon to Pursue Offensive Lineman Michael Bennett

“He’s obviously a really intelligent player. You know that from where he’s coming from, but you love the personality. We love the fight. O-line is really all about brotherhood. And you see that with Michael and the way that he works, the intention and the growth opportunities right there for him, and what this place has been able to do,” Lanning said. 

“I think coach (A’lique) Terry and that group on the offensive side of the ball have proven over time what we can help accomplish with that at that position. Specifically, we felt like Mike had a lot of those traits that we were looking for,” Lanning continued.

Key Additions For Oregon’s Offensive Lineman Entering 2026 Season

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning on the field prior to the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In addition to Bennett’s arrival from Yale, Oregon also brings in five-star offensive lineman Immanuel Iheanacho from Georgetown Preparatory High School in North Bethesda, Maryland. Iheanacho arrives at Oregon as not only one of the best offensive line recruits but also the top overall player in the 2026 recruiting class. 

Iheanacho is rated as the No. 2 overall offensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports. South Carolina Gamecocks commit Darius Gray is the lone offensive lineman ahead of him at No. 1 overall at his position in the 2026 recruiting class. 

Oregon also brings in four-star offensive lineman Tommy Tofi from Archbishop Riordan in San Francisco, California. Tofi is ranked just behind Iheanacho as the No. 3 overall offensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports. 

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Bennett, Iheancho, and Tofi all look to make an impact in protecting Oregon starting quarterback Dante Moore, as he makes his return to Eugene to help lead the Ducks to their first national championship in program history. 

Bennett and Oregon’s offensive line look to continue to progress as spring practice continues for the Ducks. Oregon’s spring game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 25, at Autzen Stadium, where fans will find out a lot more about the Ducks' offensive line’s potential entering the 2026 season.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news.