Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola’s career took another dramatic turn when he departed Nebraska and joined the Ducks despite the return of star prospect Dante Moore, who decided to stay in Eugene instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. Moore will be the Ducks’ starting quarterback next season as Raiola settles for a spot as backup.
Raiola has been getting up to speed with offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer’s playbook during spring training, and he played in Oregon’s spring game on Saturday.
Dylan Raiola’s Weight Draws Criticism at Oregon’s Spring Game
A video of Raiola’s physique before the Ducks’ spring game at Autzen Stadium went viral, and popular NFL news account ‘Dov Kleiman’ blasted the Oregon quarterback on X for being overweight.
“Oh Boy: Oregon QB Dylan Raiola has gone viral for looking extremely “overweight” at spring training. An awful look for someone trying to make a run for the starting quarterback job. Raiola has been eating good this offseason,” Kleiman tweeted.
The talented quarterback went 7 of 13 for 146 passing yards during Oregon’s spring game on Saturday, including an eye-catching 76-yard touchdown thrown to wide receiver Evan Stewart.
Raiola sustained a broken fibula in Nebraska’s game against the USC Trojans last season, prematurely ending his second season at the program. After he underwent surgery, Raiola entered the transfer portal and was ranked the No. 8 prospect in his position.
Dan Lanning Praises Raiola’s Performance in Oregon Spring Game Debut
While speaking to reporters afterward, Oregon coach Dan Lanning gave an honest assessment of Raiola’s performance during the spring game and how he was coping with the demands of the new system.
“I saw a guy who enjoys playing football,” Lanning said. “I saw him light up. There were a couple of deep balls he was able to connect on 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 passion and really understanding what we’re trying to do on the field. I think that has really come along throughout the spring.”
After committing to the Georgia Bulldogs and decommitting in 2023, Raiola became the Cornhuskers’ starter under center, leading Nebraska to a 13-9 record in two seasons. He managed 4,819 passing yards on 69.1% completion, resulting in 31 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
Last season, he earned a PFSN College QB Impact score of 77.1 after tallying 2,000 passing yards on 72.4% completion, 18 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions before his season-ending injury.
