There’s a new dynamic brewing in Eugene, and it’s unfolding right in the heart of the Oregon Ducks’ quarterback room. With Dylan Raiola transferring in from Nebraska and Dante Moore returning as a rising star under head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks suddenly have one of the most intriguing quarterback tandems in the Big Ten.
What’s striking isn’t just the talent - and there’s plenty of that - but the tone these two young quarterbacks are setting. It’s not about a battle for the top job. It’s about building each other up, sharpening iron with iron, and leaning into the culture that Lanning has instilled since arriving in Eugene: compete hard, support harder.
Moore, who led the Ducks through a College Football Playoff run that ended in a tough Peach Bowl loss to eventual national champion Indiana, is embracing the leadership role. And he’s doing it with maturity beyond his years.
“With Dylan coming in, I’m just trying to be the guy for him that Dillon Gabriel was for me,” Moore said. “Helping him get in tune with the offense, pushing him at practice, in the weight room - just being that energy source.”
That’s the kind of quarterback room culture that wins games in November - and championships in January.
Raiola, who left Nebraska under less-than-smooth circumstances, is already settling into his new surroundings. According to Moore, he’s taken the transition in stride and is fully buying into the Ducks’ way of doing things.
“He’s a great guy,” Moore said. “Great energy, a great dude to be around. I’m excited for this future.”
And it’s not just surface-level camaraderie. Moore described the kind of real, honest conversations that lay the foundation for something special - not just between two quarterbacks, but for the entire team.
“When Dylan came in, he opened up,” Moore said. “He vented to me about what he needs to work on, and what he can help me with. I really appreciate that.”
That’s not your typical QB1-QB2 dynamic. This isn’t about pecking order or posturing.
Moore made it clear: it’s not a “big brother-little brother” situation. It’s about mutual growth.
“That’s my teammate, and we’re trying to get each other better.”
And make no mistake - the stakes are high. Oregon’s first season in the Big Ten comes with a schedule that’s anything but forgiving.
One of the most compelling matchups? A mid-October showdown in Eugene against Nebraska - Raiola’s former team.
That date, October 17, is already circled on calendars across the conference.
If Raiola ends up taking snaps against the Cornhuskers, it won’t just be a storyline - it’ll be a full-circle moment in a season already loaded with intrigue. But regardless of who’s under center, Oregon’s quarterback room looks unified, focused, and ready for the spotlight.
As fall inches closer, so does the anticipation. And with Moore and Raiola pushing each other every step of the way, the Ducks might just have the kind of QB chemistry that can carry them deep into the Big Ten gauntlet.