The world of college football has seen significant developments recently. Oregon's head coach, Dan Lanning, has reportedly agreed to a revised contract that significantly boosts his annual compensation. Meanwhile, Ohio State is preparing for an important recruiting visit from Cooper Witten, son of former NFL tight end Jason Witten. This article delves into these two pivotal moments in the sport.
Recent changes in coaching agreements have placed Dan Lanning among the highest-paid figures in collegiate athletics. With his new deal, Lanning's earnings have surged by a considerable margin, positioning him competitively within the elite group of coaches earning over $10 million annually. Despite this substantial increase, he still trails behind some of his peers, notably Ohio State's Ryan Day.
In detail, Lanning's revised agreement adds $2 million to his yearly income, pushing it close to $11 million. This adjustment places him firmly within the top five highest-paid coaches nationwide. Although he now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other high-profile coaches, he remains slightly below Ryan Day, who commands an impressive $12.5 million per year. The Ducks had an outstanding season under Lanning's leadership, including a perfect regular season record and a notable victory against Ohio State. However, their playoff journey ended prematurely at the hands of the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl. Despite this setback, Lanning's performance has clearly earned him recognition through this lucrative contract renegotiation.
Beyond the financial milestones in coaching, Ohio State is gearing up for a critical recruitment event involving Cooper Witten. As a highly-rated prospect, Witten's decision could influence the future dynamics of college football teams. His scheduled visit to Ohio State marks a significant step in the recruitment process for both the player and the university.
Cooper Witten, hailing from Argyle, Texas, is set to visit Ohio State on March 21, adding another layer of anticipation to the recruitment season. Ranked as the top linebacker in his class by On3, Witten also holds a second-best safety ranking according to 247Sports. A five-star recruit in the 247Sports Composite rankings, Witten has garnered attention from multiple prestigious institutions. His itinerary includes visits to Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Clemson, Southern Methodist, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M. This extensive list underscores the high regard in which Witten is held by various programs. Ohio State's efforts to secure his commitment highlight the competitive nature of college football recruitment and the importance of attracting top-tier talent.