Dylan Raiola Transfers to Oregon Ducks, Bolstering Big Ten Rivalry
Dylan Raiola Transfers to Oregon Ducks

Dylan Raiola Chooses Oregon Ducks After Nebraska Stint

Quarterback Dylan Raiola has made a major move in college football. The former Nebraska Cornhuskers star officially committed to the Oregon Ducks. He announced this decision on social media on Monday, January 12. This transfer marks a significant change for the talented player after two seasons with Nebraska.

Raiola's Performance at Nebraska

Dylan Raiola started 22 games for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He displayed strong arm talent throughout his time there. However, he faced challenges due to an inconsistent offensive line. His season ended early after he suffered a broken leg against Southern California on November 1, 2025. This injury sidelined him for the final four games of that season.

In his most recent season, Raiola appeared in nine games. He completed an impressive 72.4% of his passes. He threw for 2,000 yards, recording 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions. His freshman campaign in 2024 saw even more yardage. He threw for 2,819 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 picks that year.

Transfer Keeps Raiola in the Big Ten

This transfer keeps Dylan Raiola within the Big Ten conference. He now joins the high-powered Oregon program under head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks are coming off a strong 13-2 season. They made an appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Raiola adds a proven starter to bolster Oregon's quarterback depth.

Oregon's Quarterback Situation in Flux

Oregon's quarterback situation for 2026 remains unclear. It largely depends on Dante Moore's decision regarding the 2026 NFL Draft. Moore led the Ducks this season with a nearly 73% completion rate. He threw for 3,280 yards, 28 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. However, he struggled in the playoff loss to No. 1 Indiana. In that game, he went 24-of-39 for 285 yards with an interception and two fumbles. The Ducks fell 56-22 in that contest.

After the game, Moore remained non-committal about his future. He said, "Just giving hugs and just thank you's to my teammates, but at the end of the day, I don't know my decision yet."

Two backups, Austin Novosad and Luke Moga, have already entered the transfer portal. This thins the depth chart for Oregon. Raiola's arrival provides crucial insurance for the team. If Moore returns, Raiola could redshirt in 2026. He would then compete for the starting role in 2027.

What This Means for the Oregon Ducks

Landing Dylan Raiola will strengthen Oregon's recruiting momentum. It also boosts their transfer portal strategy. The former top-ranked quarterback prospect pairs well with the Ducks' talented 2026 recruiting class. That class includes standouts like wide receiver Jalen Lott and tight end Kendre Harrison. For coach Dan Lanning, this move signals a commitment to building sustained quarterback excellence in Eugene.

As the transfer portal continues to shape college football, Dylan Raiola's move to Oregon adds intrigue to the Big Ten landscape. It positions the Ducks for another strong run in 2026 and beyond. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how this transfer impacts the upcoming season.