Dylan Raiola’s Departure Sends Shockwaves Through Nebraska - and Could Reshape Oregon’s QB Room
When Dylan Raiola made it official that he’s leaving Nebraska, the ripple effect was immediate - and it might just be the first wave in a much larger quarterback shakeup across the Big Ten and beyond.
Raiola’s exit wasn’t entirely unexpected. There had been plenty of whispers that the former five-star quarterback might be looking for a fresh start. But now that it’s confirmed, the focus shifts to what’s next - not just for Raiola, but for two major programs in Nebraska and Oregon, and possibly others caught in the transfer portal domino effect.
Oregon Emerging as a Potential Landing Spot
The early buzz around Raiola’s next move has Oregon right at the center of it. According to reports, the Ducks are a serious contender to land the former Husker. If that happens, it could be the start of a significant quarterback shuffle in Eugene.
Why Oregon? The Ducks check just about every box for a top-tier quarterback prospect. They’ve got a proven track record of sending QBs to the NFL, they’re perennial contenders in the College Football Playoff conversation, and they’ve got the kind of NIL backing - thanks in large part to their strong ties with Nike - that makes them a major player in the portal era.
But there’s a twist here: if Raiola is indeed Oregon-bound, that likely means Dante Moore is on his way out.
Dante Moore’s Future Now in Question
Moore, a former five-star recruit himself, hasn’t tipped his hand yet. There’s been no clear indication whether he’s planning to jump to the NFL or enter the portal. But if Oregon is actively pursuing Raiola, it’s hard to imagine they believe Moore will still be their guy in 2026.
This is where things get interesting. Moore’s next move - whether it’s to the pros or another program - could set off a chain reaction.
If he leaves, Oregon becomes one of the most attractive open quarterback jobs in the country. And with the portal opening on January 2, the Ducks could find themselves at the center of a full-blown QB carousel.
Other Quarterbacks Eyeing Oregon
It’s not just Raiola potentially eyeing Eugene. Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt and Florida’s DJ Lagway are also expected to be on the move when the portal window opens. Oregon, with its high-powered offense and national profile, is likely to be on the shortlist for both.
Depending on how things shake out, Oregon could be looking at a quarterback competition with some serious star power. But if Raiola lands there first, it might close the door for others - or force them to look elsewhere quickly.
What This Means for Nebraska
Back in Lincoln, the Raiola departure stings - not just because of his talent, but because of what it represents. Nebraska had hoped Raiola would be the cornerstone of their rebuild, the kind of elite talent who could help pull the Huskers back into national relevance.
Now, they’re left re-evaluating the quarterback room. The staff has been vocal about their belief in freshman TJ Lateef, but with Raiola gone, it’s becoming more and more likely that Nebraska dips into the portal themselves. Whether it’s to bring in a veteran to compete with Lateef or to find a new potential starter altogether, the Huskers are going to have decisions to make - and fast.
The Dominoes Are Just Starting to Fall
Make no mistake: Raiola’s decision is just the beginning. If he ends up at Oregon, and Moore moves on, we could see a flurry of quarterback movement across multiple programs. And with the transfer portal opening just around the corner, the next few weeks could reshape quarterback rooms across the country.
For now, all eyes are on Eugene - and on a quarterback carousel that’s just starting to spin.