Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola shocked the college football world when he opted to join the Oregon Ducks after leaving the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Raiola joined the Ducks despite last year’s breakout star Dante Moore opting to return to college football instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Raiola will be Moore’s backup for a season before the quarterback’s expected departure for the NFL next year.
Dan Lanning Discusses Dylan Raiola’s Spring Game Performance
While speaking to reporters after Saturday’s spring game at Autzen Stadium, Oregon coach Dan Lanning gave an honest assessment of Raiola’s performance.
“I just saw a guy that enjoys playing football, right? I saw it light up on his face,” Lanning said. “There were a couple of deep balls that he was able to connect and some that he didn’t that just got away.
“Overall, I was just excited to see Dylan playing out there with some joy and some passion and really understanding what we’re trying to do on the field. I think that’s really come along throughout the spring.”
Raiola’s second season in Nebraska was ended prematurely after he broke his fibula in November, and after two seasons of being the Cornhuskers’ starting quarterback, he opted to depart the program.
In Oregon’s spring game, Raiola went 7 of 13 for 146 yards, resulting in a touchdown, including a 76-yard dime to wide receiver Evan Stewart. On the other hand, Moore went 7 of 11 for 57 passing yards, resulting in a touchdown.
Dylan Raiola Embraces His Oregon Adventure
Raiola, who has been in the spotlight since he flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to Nebraska in 2023, sought Oregon legend Marcus Mariota’s permission to wear his No. 8 jersey to start his Ducks career.
While speaking to reporters after Oregon’s spring game on Saturday, Raiola revealed his excitement at playing for the Ducks, despite being Moore’s backup.
“I thought I was going to walk into a very serious room, where guys are on edge the whole time, but it’s actually the opposite. It’s a complete blast,” Raiola said. “It makes coming here a lot easier, being so far away from home. The quarterback room has been tremendous, and I love each and every single one of them.”
“Every day you come to the quarterback room, you learn something new. There’s constant growth happening, and that’s the beauty about this place.”
Last season, Raiola earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 77.1 after registering 2,000 passing yards on 72.4% completion, resulting in 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions for Nebraska.
