Dan Lanning's Genius Instagram Jab at Penn State After Fiesta Bowl Glory

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning is quickly becoming known for more than just his team's on-field prowess; his off-field wit is equally sharp, as Penn State recently discovered. Following Oregon's resounding victory over Liberty in the Fiesta Bowl, securing a dominant 45-6 win, Lanning took to Instagram to celebrate – and deliver a perfectly aimed, subtle jab at a fellow college football powerhouse.

The Ducks concluded a stellar 2023 season with an impressive 12-2 record, capping it off with a significant New Year's Six bowl triumph.

Lanning's team demonstrated why they were a consistent top-tier contender throughout the year, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. But it was his post-game social media activity that truly caught the attention of the college football world.

In an Instagram story, Lanning posted an image of Oregon players celebrating, overlaid with a bold, triumphant message.

It read: "We Are... Fiesta Bowl Champions." While seemingly a simple declaration of victory, the true brilliance lies in the direct, albeit unspoken, reference to Penn State's iconic and fiercely protected slogan: "We Are... Penn State."

This wasn't just a generic celebration; it was a deliberate and masterful troll.

Penn State, which finished their season 10-3 after winning the Peach Bowl, has long used its "We Are..." chant as a cornerstone of its identity. By repurposing this famous phrase to highlight Oregon's Fiesta Bowl title, Lanning ingeniously contrasted his team's explicit championship status in a top-tier bowl with Penn State's own bowl appearance and season trajectory.

The playful jab speaks volumes about Lanning's competitive spirit and confidence.

It's a testament to a coach who isn't afraid to engage in the spirited banter that makes college football so compelling. His ability to deliver such a pointed message with understated elegance shows a strategic mind extending beyond the playbook.

In the high-stakes world of college football, where every word and action is scrutinized, Lanning's Instagram story stands out as a memorable moment of post-season triumph and good-natured rivalry.

It reinforces Oregon's position as a program on the rise and adds another layer to Dan Lanning's growing reputation as one of the most engaging personalities in the sport.