"I get to be a fan from afar": Oregon HC Dan Lanning confesses to missing Denver's Bo Nix 

Dan Lanning's Oregon had a triumphant year in 2023, and Bo Nix was among the key factors in their successful 12-2 run. After two years at Auburn, Nix transferred to Orego as he ended his college career on a high note following the Fiesta Bowl Game against Liberty.

Lanning has taken the opportunity to appreciate Bo Nix many times, both on and off the field, be it his impressive quarterback abilities or his leadership in the locker room.

Bo Nix and his wife Izzy Nix were also great friends, with coach Lanning and his wife Sauphia taking on the roles of babysitters for them during their time in Eugene.

During an interview with college football analyst Pat McAfee, Dan Lanning spoke about missing Bo Nix following his move to the NFL while giving fans an insight on his replacement Dillon Gabriel's role at Oregon:

"I've actually talked to Bo last week. He's doing awesome. You know, I miss Bo man, I get to be a fan from afar. Now watching what he does, but that's what's excited about college football is you don't get to keep the same team for 10 years.

"When you talk about big games and Bo obviously had experience but now we have a guy you know, in Dillon Gabriel that's got a lot of experience, right? He's played a lot of a lot of college football games, there'll be a transition, we gotta lean in on, you know, each player strengths."

Dan Lanning added:

"I've been more impressed with Dylan even as a leader. You know, he he's gone on offensive retreats with with the offensive crew. He has the managers over to his house to watch a fight.

"I mean, he's, there isn't a janitor in the building or a custodian that he doesn't know. I mean, this guy just connects in a unique way, and he drives a minivan."

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Will Oregon's Dillon Gabriel help Dan Lanning win a national championship?

Following Bo Nix's departure to the NFL, it was crucial for Oregon to replace the talent powerhouse with somebody who could continue their winning momentum and help them win games like Nix did.

Former Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel entered the transfer portal last winter and committed to Oregon.

During his first appearance as a Duck in the 2024 spring game, Gabriel impressed with his quarterback abilities by scoring two touchdowns and completing 14 of 21 passes for 163 yards, leaving fans hopeful for a possible national championship in the upcoming season.

Fans will be intrigued to see how Dan Lanning's Oregon performs during the team's first year in the Big Ten in the 2024 college football season.