New QB Dylan Raiola, recovering from a broken fibula, learns Oregon's system while Dante Moore prepares for his final season.
Oregon received a boost for their upcoming season when quarterback Dante Moore revealed his intentions to return to Eugene for 2026 instead of entering the NFL draft.
Moore is a first-round talent at quarterback and should keep the Ducks in the College Football Playoff conversation as he contends for the Heisman Trophy.
Oregon also secured a big name for the future of the quarterback position when Dylan Raiola transferred to the Ducks from Nebraska.
Raiola was a starter for Nebraska last season, throwing for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in nine games. He suffered a broken fibula against USC on Nov. 1.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning provided an update on Raiola on Thursday, saying he's working but the team is being cautious about how hard they push him during spring football.
“He’s working,” Lanning said, via On3. “He was able to practice with us today. We’re being conscientious of where he’s at as he comes back. But he’s pushing.
“And it’s new for him. He’s coming into a new system. But he’s learning it well. He’s definitely a cerebral player that can make the throws, so very excited about where he’s at and where he’ll continue to grow.”
Raiola has no reason to rush back anytime soon with Moore set to start for the upcoming season. He can learn the quarterback position and the Ducks offense before taking over in 2027.
Moore suggested his dynamic to Raiola is similar to how Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel mentored him during the 2024 season.
Moore is helping Raiola learn Oregon's system.
“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.”
Moore has his own set of skills to work on. He returned to college football in 2026, knowing he needed to get better at learning to handle pressure, limiting turnovers and getting the ball out of his hands faster.
Raiola has an opportunity to get better at his flaws while seeing how a future NFL quarterback prepares to lead the Ducks in his final season.