Joel Lanning (born November 18, 1994) is an American former football linebacker. He played college football at Iowa State University.

Lanning was a multi-sport star at Ankeny High School, earning all-state selections in football, baseball, and wrestling.

As a sophomore, he tallied 1,230 passing yards and 669 rushing yards, receiving second-team All-Conference honors.

As a junior, he passed for 1,723 yards and rushed for 636 yards, receiving All-Conference honors.

As a senior in 2012, he led the team to a 14-0 record and the state championship, while setting school records in total yards (3,384), passing yards (2,315), rushing yards (1,082) by a quarterback and had 39 total touchdowns (22 passing and 17 rushing). He received All-Conference, Elite All-State and the Des Moines Register Class 4-A Player of the Year. As a three-year starting quarterback at Ankeny, he recorded 7,642 all-purpose career yards.

In baseball, he was a two-time first-team All-State selection and contributed to the team winning the 2012 state championship. In wrestling, he received all-state honors as a senior.

After high school Lanning was very lightly recruited for football. His only two offers were Nebraska and Iowa State; he ultimately picked the Cyclones.

As a redshirt freshman, he only played one game on special teams.