Dylan Raiola’s Transfer Buzz Heats Up - But Don’t Count on Oregon Being in the Mix
The transfer portal doesn’t officially open until January 2, but that hasn’t stopped the Dylan Raiola conversation from picking up serious steam. The former five-star quarterback is expected to leave Nebraska this winter, and naturally, speculation is swirling about where he might land. While several programs have been floated as potential fits, it’s starting to look like Oregon won’t be one of them.
On the same day that reports began surfacing about Raiola’s intention to hit the portal, early predictions pointed to a few likely landing spots - and at least one clear non-starter. Texas Tech reportedly isn’t in the mix, and now it appears Oregon may be out as well.
That’s according to On3’s Justin Hopkins, who responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) that linked Raiola to Louisville and ruled out Texas Tech. Hopkins added that Oregon isn’t expected to pursue the Huskers' quarterback either.
Mixed Signals from Oregon’s Camp
Here’s where things get interesting. When news of Raiola’s transfer plans first broke, Oregon was floated as a possible destination - a team with a system that could fit his skill set and a program with Big Ten ties that might appeal to the former No. 1 recruit. That’s what made Hopkins’ statement notable: it directly contradicts earlier speculation, and it’s coming from someone plugged into the Ducks’ program.
So what gives? It’s possible that different sources within Oregon are giving different signals - or that the Ducks’ stance has shifted as other dominoes begin to fall.
The Dante Moore Factor
One of those dominoes is Dante Moore. The former five-star quarterback is currently with Oregon and hasn’t declared for the NFL Draft.
That decision is expected to come after the Ducks wrap up their College Football Playoff run. If Moore decides to return for another season, the quarterback room in Eugene is likely full - and Raiola, who’s looking for a starting opportunity, would almost certainly look elsewhere.
But even if Moore does move on, Hopkins’ comments suggest Oregon may not be interested in Raiola regardless. That’s a strong statement, considering Raiola’s pedigree and the buzz that’s always surrounded him.
What Happens Next?
With the portal set to open in early January, we won’t have to wait long to find out where Raiola is headed. It’s entirely possible that conversations are already underway behind the scenes and that a decision could come quickly once the window opens.
For now, though, it’s clear the Raiola sweepstakes are shaping up to be more complicated than initially expected. Oregon might’ve been an early favorite, but as things stand, the Ducks appear to be looking in a different direction - and that alone is a storyline worth watching as the college football offseason ramps up.