Stein’s Wildcat Makeover: Oregon Ducks Invade Kentucky
The Kentucky Wildcats’ new head coach, Will Stein, is tapping deep into Oregon Ducks alumni to build his staff. He’s already poached former linebacker-turned-coach Tony Washington Jr. as defensive ends/outside linebackers coach, and Cutter Leftwich will shift from Ducks’ run-game guru to Wildcat assistant offensive line coach. Even recruiting wiz Pat Biondo is packing his bags to become Kentucky’s first general manager. As Tosh Lupoi and others eye head-coaching gigs, Oregon’s coaching pipeline only grows—Chris Hampton and Drew Mehringer are reported as Lanning’s next hires to fill those gaping holes.
Is it a recruitment drive or a hostile takeover? Soon, the Kentucky sideline will look like an Oregon alumni reunion—minus the beaver mascots. Rumor has it Stein’s next hire is a pack of ducklings trained to waddle defeat into opponents. Meanwhile, Dan Lanning’s response to each sudden vacancy will no doubt be “quack” levels of positivity, reminding everyone he’s just helping his former colleagues achieve their “wildest” dreams—literally.
Playoff Prep: Lanning’s Ducks Battle Injuries in Style
As Oregon prepares for its College Football Playoff opener against James Madison, coach Dan Lanning reported incremental progress on injured wide receivers Dakorien Moore, Gary Bryant Jr., and Evan Stewart, all of whom joined Monday’s practice in modified reps and even punt-return drills. Lanning dodged specific timelines, offered high praise for Trey McNut’s rehab dedication, applauded Bear Alexander’s maturity in opting to return in 2026, and hinted that more redshirt returnees like Makhi Hughes could bolster next season. He celebrated recent All-American nods as team accolades and reiterated the Ducks’ routine-driven, one-day-at-a-time postseason mantra.
Injuries? What injuries? If Lanning’s optimistic quacks are any indication, this Ducks squad might play with inflatable limbs by Saturday. “Everybody’s closer than yesterday,” he chirped—slightly terrifying if you picture half-healed players charging onto the field like rubber chickens. But fear not: for every pulled hamstring, there’s a hydration station and a pep talk so fervent it could resurrect retired quarterbacks. After all, nothing says “playoff contender” like a group therapy session disguised as a practice plan.
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