Oregon's Dan Lanning visits 5-star recruit Cantwell, top TE Premer during Midwest run

A Missouri native, Lanning returned to his roots in search of nation's best

Raymore-Peculiar four-star running back DeZephen Walker (right) and Demetrios Walker (left) meet with Oregon coach Dan Lanning (center) during a visit on Jan. 17. Walker, who has strong interest from Kansa and Nebraska, among others, was received an offer from the Ducks during the visit. / DeZephen Walker, from X

Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning has been a busy man.

But when you're the man tasked with running one of the top college football programs in the country, burning jet fuel to shake hands and take photos is a big part of the gig. And Lanning was doing plenty of that last week.

A native of Kansas City, Mo., Lanning returned home last week on a two-day tear recruiting some of the top 2026 prospects in the country.

Lanning's known stops included Lee's Summit on Jan. 16, where the Tigers have 2027 interior line prospect Zach Harsha (6-5, 260) and 2028 tight end Max Trillo (6-4, 225).

Great Day at Lee's Summit High Today
Appreciate Head Coach Dan Lanning of the University of Oregon for coming to see the Tigers! #RecruitLS@CoachDanLanning @oregonfootball @lstigerfootball pic.twitter.com/DBFM8AwLzM

— Recruiting LSTIGERFOOTBALL (@recruitLSFB) January 17, 2025

He was even busier the following day. He had stops at Raymore-Peculiar, where he visited with and offered four-star uncommitted running back DeZephen Walker (6-0, 205) who is believed to be heavily considering Kansas and Nebraska.

Raymore-Peculiar running back DeZephen Walker. / Photo by David Smith, SBLive

He also headed to Illinois, where he swung by Lincoln-Way East to visit with quarterback Jonas Williams, who agreed with the Ducks on Aug. 3, 2024,

A big thank you to the University of Oregon Ducks Head Football Coach Dan Lanning for coming to Lincoln-Way East today! pic.twitter.com/lruzNH6I2q

— Lincoln-Way East Football (@LWEastFootball) January 17, 2025

A trip to the Springfield, Mo. area was also on the docket, as Lanning traveled to Nixa High School to again meet with the country's No. 1 2026 offensive lineman, Jackson Cantwell, on Jan. 16. The 6-8, 315 offensive tackle has offers from just about everyone in the country, though he has spoken highly of Lanning and his relationship with the Ducks coach - making Oregon one of the favorites for his services.

Nice to have @oregonfootball @CoachDanLanning & @UMichFootball @Coach_SMoore in Nixa, MO! @jcantwell2499 is bringing out all the stars. #TeamNixa #NSGB pic.twitter.com/bBlvB3Uy8j

— John Perry (@jperry_nixa) January 17, 2025

Cantwell was honored by the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 18 during their AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans after he was selected to represent the Chiefs at the 'Nike Ones' showcase during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans.

Lanning concluded his trip with a little basketball in Hutchinson, Kan., where he watched Great Bend tight end Ian Premer (6-6, 215) - the top tight end in the 2026 class - take on Hutchinson. Premer, a three-sport star in football, basketball and baseball, impressed with 22 points in the game.

Oregon 🏈 HC @CoachDanLanning is in Hutchinson tonight to watch Great Bend’s @IanPremer play hoops. @GBHS_Athletics @GreatBend_BB @sportsinkansas pic.twitter.com/AnYWMlxe6X

— Jason Lamb (@JasonLambTV) January 18, 2025

The Midwest swing adds to a busy month for Lanning, who also has been spotted with Utah No. 1 athlete Salasi Moa and recently secured a visit with top 2026 quarterback and Nashville native Jared Curtis.