Dante Moore's decision to stay at Oregon has stirred up considerable conversation, particularly regarding the future of fellow quarterback Dylan Raiola, who recently transferred from Nebraska. On January 14, 2026, Moore announced that he would not enter the NFL Draft—a decision that surprised many, as he was projected to be a top-five choice in a draft class lacking depth at the quarterback position.
Moore’s choice is monumental not only for his own career trajectory but also for college football as a whole. His outstanding performance during his inaugural season as Oregon's starting quarterback—where he amassed an impressive 3,721 total yards and threw 32 touchdowns—helped the Ducks achieve a remarkable 12-2 record and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. With Moore returning, Oregon is now considered one of the frontrunners for the national championship heading into the 2026 season.
However, Moore's return complicates things for Raiola, who had recently committed to Oregon after transferring. Raiola, a highly regarded five-star recruit, started for Nebraska over the past two seasons. The influx of talent in Oregon's quarterback room raises questions about Raiola's next steps.
Raiola now finds himself in a position with several potential paths ahead of him. One possibility is that he remains committed to the Ducks and takes on the role of backup quarterback for the upcoming year. Oregon had continued to pursue Raiola while knowing that Moore might still be around, suggesting that they anticipated he could spend a year developing behind Moore. This situation isn't unprecedented; for instance, Moore himself transferred to Oregon after a season at UCLA, where he spent time as a backup before becoming the starter.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s "SportsCenter" shortly after announcing his decision to stay, Moore expressed his enthusiasm about Raiola joining the team. He praised Raiola’s competitive spirit and indicated his intent to guide him, similar to how Dillon Gabriel had mentored him during his early days at Oregon. Moore remarked, "He’s a great dude… I know he’s going to push me, compete, and have fun."
According to reports from On3 Sports, Raiola is expected to sit behind Moore for the entirety of the 2026 season. This could ultimately serve Raiola well, allowing him to grow and recover. He suffered a broken fibula during a game against USC last November, which necessitated surgery. A year as a backup may provide Raiola the crucial time needed for full recovery without the pressures of being the starter.
If Raiola initially thought he would step into a starting role upon transferring, he might reconsider his options and explore other opportunities should he decide to enter the transfer portal again. Notably, schools like Miami and Tennessee are actively seeking starting quarterbacks for next season.
As for Raiola's background, he is currently 20 years old and has played 13 games in his freshman year and nine in his sophomore year, leaving him with two remaining years of eligibility. Recently, FBS coaches unanimously voted to modify the redshirt rule, allowing players to participate in up to nine games without losing a year of eligibility. However, it remains uncertain how this change might affect existing players.
Coming out of Buford High School in Georgia, Raiola garnered attention as a five-star recruit, ranking as the No. 21 overall prospect in the 2024 class according to 247Sports. As a transfer, he was rated as the 15th best available player and the fifth-best quarterback, reflecting his high potential and skill set.
What do you think about Raiola’s prospects at Oregon now that Moore has decided to stay? Is backing up a seasoned quarterback the best route for his development, or should he consider exploring other programs? Share your thoughts!
