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There is no such thing as too much depth in college football, especially at the quarterback position. The Oregon Ducks are one of a few teams around the country with several great options under center heading into the 2026 season.
However, Dante Moore is back in Eugene and is arguably the top passer in the nation heading into the season. With a Heisman frontrunner in the fold, making Oregon a contender for a title run this season, the Ducks are going to leave some talented quarterbacks on the bench.
Dylan Raiola is one of the most talented passers in the country, and he will likely serve as Oregon's backup this season. CBS Sports named Raiola as one of the 10 best backup quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2026 season.
Although they are ranked in no particular order, CBS Sports' Cody Nagel listed Raiola first. The Nebraska transfer and former five-star comes to Eugene as a two-year starter for the Cornhuskers with experience in big games in the Big Ten. The hope is that Raiola can sit and learn this season behind Moore, but if the Ducks need him, Raiola is an excellent fit.
"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," Nagel wrote. "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."
Raiola brings less mobility than Moore, struggling under pressure at Nebraska. However, he has a cannon for an arm, similar to Moore. If he is forced into action, Raiola is good at reading a defense and finding short and intermediate throws. He has the strength to attack downfield, but often turns down some of those opportunities.
The Ducks are fortunate to have Raiola in the program this season, essentially following the same plan that Moore had when he transferred to Eugene in 2024, sitting behind Dillon Gabriel for a season before taking the reins. Raiola is expected to be a frontrunner for the starting job next season, competing alongside young passers Akili Smith Jr., Brock Thomas and 2027 five-star freshman Will Mencl.
“I think if you look back through it, I decided before Dante decided," Raiola said earlier this spring. "It was just a total buy-in of the program and of Oregon as a whole. So I was very excited, and to have the opportunity to learn from a number one draft pick caliber guy is very special. Not only him, but the whole room. Every guy brings something to the table, good, bad and different, and it's all great for everybody.”
In the spring game, Raiola connected on 7-of-13 passes for a game-high 146 yards and a touchdown. He hit receiver Evan Stewart down the sideline early in the game for a 76-yard score.
Alongside Raiola, CBS Sports listed Ohio State's Tavien St. Clair, Alabama's Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, and Ole Miss' Deuce McKnight as other top backups around the nation. The Ducks have the benefit of experience on the depth chart, and it could make a difference if the offense is forced into a situation without Moore in the huddle.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon QB Dylan Raiola named one of the nation's best backups in 2026
Continue reading...
However, Dante Moore is back in Eugene and is arguably the top passer in the nation heading into the season. With a Heisman frontrunner in the fold, making Oregon a contender for a title run this season, the Ducks are going to leave some talented quarterbacks on the bench.
Dylan Raiola is one of the most talented passers in the country, and he will likely serve as Oregon's backup this season. CBS Sports named Raiola as one of the 10 best backup quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2026 season.
Although they are ranked in no particular order, CBS Sports' Cody Nagel listed Raiola first. The Nebraska transfer and former five-star comes to Eugene as a two-year starter for the Cornhuskers with experience in big games in the Big Ten. The hope is that Raiola can sit and learn this season behind Moore, but if the Ducks need him, Raiola is an excellent fit.
"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," Nagel wrote. "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."
Raiola brings less mobility than Moore, struggling under pressure at Nebraska. However, he has a cannon for an arm, similar to Moore. If he is forced into action, Raiola is good at reading a defense and finding short and intermediate throws. He has the strength to attack downfield, but often turns down some of those opportunities.
The Ducks are fortunate to have Raiola in the program this season, essentially following the same plan that Moore had when he transferred to Eugene in 2024, sitting behind Dillon Gabriel for a season before taking the reins. Raiola is expected to be a frontrunner for the starting job next season, competing alongside young passers Akili Smith Jr., Brock Thomas and 2027 five-star freshman Will Mencl.
“I think if you look back through it, I decided before Dante decided," Raiola said earlier this spring. "It was just a total buy-in of the program and of Oregon as a whole. So I was very excited, and to have the opportunity to learn from a number one draft pick caliber guy is very special. Not only him, but the whole room. Every guy brings something to the table, good, bad and different, and it's all great for everybody.”
In the spring game, Raiola connected on 7-of-13 passes for a game-high 146 yards and a touchdown. He hit receiver Evan Stewart down the sideline early in the game for a 76-yard score.
Alongside Raiola, CBS Sports listed Ohio State's Tavien St. Clair, Alabama's Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, and Ole Miss' Deuce McKnight as other top backups around the nation. The Ducks have the benefit of experience on the depth chart, and it could make a difference if the offense is forced into a situation without Moore in the huddle.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon QB Dylan Raiola named one of the nation's best backups in 2026
Continue reading...
