Oregon's Backup QB Situation Gaining Buzz Before Training Camp

The Nebraska Cornhuskers and quarterback Dylan Raiola had a somewhat mutual divorce this offseason.

Raiola threw for 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions for the Cornhuskers, but the Nebraska finished 7-6 during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

After contemplating going to Louisville, Raiola chose Oregon, which has a rich history of putting quarterbacks in the NFL. Not long after he chose the Ducks, Dante Moore decided to return to Eugene for one more season before likely becoming a first-round pick in 2027.

Cody Nagel of CBS Sports named Raiola as one of the top backup quarterbacks in college football. He noted the Ducks have a "rate situation" with Moore and Raiola on the roster this fall.

"The Ducks enter 2026 with a rare situation: two former five-star quarterbacks on the roster, both with at least 20 career starts," Nagel wrote. "Raiola transferred to Eugene, knowing Dante Moore could return for another season as the starter, but the chance to develop in Oregon's system made the move worthwhile. 

"Even if his time at Nebraska didn't fully match the massive expectations that followed him as a recruit, Raiola still showed plenty of promise. In 22 starts, he threw for 4,819 yards and 31 touchdowns, while completing 69.1% of his passes, a Nebraska program record."

While he'd rather be playing, Raiola can benefit from sitting a year behind Moore. He can learn from Moore, a potential No. 1 pick next year, before taking over the Oregon offense in 2027. 

As Nagel notes, there is much for the former Nebraska quarterback to learn.

"There are concerns about Raiola's lack of mobility -- he was sacked on nearly 25% of pressures faced -- and his reluctance to push the ball downfield," Nagel wrote. 

"Among the 145 returning FBS quarterbacks with at least 100 career pass attempts, Raiola ranks 120th in air yards per attempt. That could be an issue if he's pressed into starting duty."

The Ducks are expected to compete for the national championship this season. However, there are questions about the offensive line.

Should Moore suffer an injury this season, Oregon should feel confident knowing Raiola can win games.

Oregon has much better skilled players than what Raiola had at Nebraska, and he could look more the part of a Day 1 or Day 2 pick when he gets the chance to start.