Dan Lanning Pulls Back the Curtain on Oregon's Veteran Leadership

The Oregon Ducks upcoming 2026 football season is a swan song for several athletes that are veterans of the program. In particular, rising senior center Iapani "Poncho" Laloulu sees his third year as the leader of the Oregon offensive line, saying in a spring practice media availability that he "still got more things to do back here in Eugene."

According to Oregon coach Dan Lanning during a Tuesday spring practice press conference, Laloulu is one of those linchpins in the locker room managing two seasons of complete trench overhauls.

Oregon offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu, left, and Oregon offensive lineman Demetri Manning run as the Oregon Ducks practice at Barry University ahead of the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30, 2025, in Miami, Florida. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dan Lanning Comments on Iapani Laloulu's Influence

“I think people lead in different ways. And Poncho has definitely always been a vocal leader. I think that happens a lot at center. You think about some guys that played that position for us here, you become a communicator really early in your career," Lanning said.

During the 2025-2026 season, Laloulu led the offensive line to yet another Joe Moore Award finalist nod, earned himself a Rimmington Trophy finalist spot and a third team AP All-American nod, and helped the Ducks reach No. 2 in the nation for 2,822 yards rushing and 5.9 yards a carry.

“Well, he's a huge part of it, but he would tell you, he's a part of it, right?" Lanning added. "And there's no good O-line that has deficiencies. Ultimately, it's about all five guys coming together, and that's what makes the O-line so special, but he's certainly been a big piece of that.”

Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei (10) makes a confetti angel following the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Iapani Laloulu's Connection to Matayo Uiagalelei

As Laloulu continues to develop his voice as an veteran leader, so has incoming senior linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei and fellow incoming senior linebacker Teitum Tuioti. Just like Laloulu, both defensive leaders spent their entire college careers at Oregon, showing the development the Ducks put into their young talent.

“And Matayo, Teitum (Tuioti), some of those guys that have come back, they've proven over time that they have a vested interest in their voice has grown since they've been on campus. They've grown in their leadership," Lanning said.

Oregon outside linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei, right, pressures Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

What Matayo Uiagalelei Brings to This Season

With Uiagalelei and Tuioti rising to be the defensive leader compliments to Laloulu on the offense, Duck fans can feel confident that Oregon boasts veterans truly commited to their program in a modern college football landscape changed by the transfer portal and NIL.

Last year, Uiagalelei saw action in all 13 games just like Laloulu, with 34 total tackles (19 solo tackles), six sacks, two forced fumbles, three pass defenses. The Bellflower, California, but he is poised for a career best season in 2026-2027 after recording 10.5 sacks as a sophomore.

According to Lanning, Uiagalelei is putting in the work in the off season to do just that.

"But for Matayo, I'm just really proud of the way he's worked this off-season. He has some really specific goals and things that he wanted to attack, and it's showing up on the field for him right now.”

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