New Oregon quarterback Dylan Raiola reveals why he chose humility and backup duty, learning from Dante Moore for a championship quest.
During the College Football Playoff, the Oregon Ducks didn't have a clear picture of what their quarterback room would look like.
Dante Moore appeared to be a lock to become a first-round pick if he entered the 2026 NFL Draft.
Before the Ducks' 56-22 loss to Indiana and quarterback Fernando Mendoza, there was a possibility Moore could be the first quarterback taken in the draft.
After the loss to IU, Moore chose to return to Eugene for the 2026 season. In addition to Moore, the Ducks also landed another big-name quarterback as Dylan Raiola chose to sit behind Moore for one season after being a starter at Nebraska.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Raiola explained why he chose to come to Oregon. He said he needed to humble himself, and he's adjusting to his new job as a backup.
I think it’s just, obviously, you’ve got to humble yourself,” Raiola said, via On3. “I’d be lying if I say it didn’t take a couple of practices to kind of get used to it. But at the same time, it’s all learning.”
“It’s all trying to eventually achieve the goal of mine. And obviously of Dante’s right now. That’s our whole room’s goal, to get Dante to where he wants to go. He’s a great person to learn from.”
Raiola threw for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions last season in nine games for the Cornhuskers.
Raiola is also getting help from Moore this season. Moore wants to see Raiola succeed in 2027.
“Always there to help Dylan out, just to push him at practice and push him in the weight room," Moore said. "Just be that energy source that he needs and make sure he gets through his days.
“Of course, Dylan Raiola, when he came in, he talked to me. He opened up the table and just vented to me about things he needs to work on, things he can help me with. And I really appreciate that.”
The Ducks also have a backup plan in place in case something happens to Moore this season. Oregon is expected to be in the chase for a national championship.
Having a solid backup in Raiola is always a good thing to happen in case the unthinkable happens to Moore.