EUGENE, Ore. - Dylan Raiola is making strides in his comeback from a broken fibula, and while he’s not at full strength just yet, Oregon coach Dan Lanning is optimistic about his progress. Raiola was back on the field for the Ducks' first spring practice on Thursday, a significant step forward in his recovery journey.
"He's working hard and was able to join us today," Lanning noted after practice wrapped up. "We're mindful of his recovery, but he's pushing himself."
Raiola's injury occurred last fall during a game against USC while he was with Nebraska. The former 5-star recruit decided to transfer after the 2025 season, landing at Oregon in January. Since arriving, Raiola has been adjusting to his new environment, a transition that Lanning believes he’s handling well.
"He's adapting to our system smoothly. He's a cerebral player with a great arm, and we’re excited about his development," Lanning added.
Raiola teams up with returning starter Dante Moore, creating a formidable quarterback duo for the Ducks. Both athletes were highly rated out of high school, and while Moore has a year of college experience over Raiola, Raiola is slightly older and has more starts under his belt.
With Thursday marking their first practice together, the competition is still in its early stages. However, Lanning is pleased with the camaraderie and teamwork between the two quarterbacks.
"These guys support each other’s success. On the field, it’s all about competition-offense versus defense-but they’re united in their goal to make the team stronger," Lanning explained. "Their collaboration mirrors the teamwork we see across all positions."
Raiola is expected to be the backup to Moore, giving Oregon an enviable depth at quarterback. During his time with the Cornhuskers, Raiola completed 69.1 percent of his passes, amassing 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
Oregon's spring practices continue on Saturday, with a short break before resuming after spring break. The Ducks will culminate their spring session with the annual spring game at Autzen Stadium on April 25.