The Oregon Ducks just pulled off what might be the most impressive quarterback room build in college football-and it happened in a span of 48 hours.
On Monday, Dylan Raiola, the former Nebraska starter and one of the most efficient passers in the Big Ten last season, committed to Oregon. Then, on Wednesday morning, Dante Moore made it official: he’s staying in Eugene. That’s two high-level quarterbacks locked in for 2026, and the Ducks suddenly have the kind of depth at the most important position in football that every program dreams about-but few ever achieve.
And just in time, too. The FBS coaching ranks voted unanimously on Tuesday to expand the redshirt rule to allow players to appear in up to nine games without burning a year of eligibility.
It’s still awaiting final approval from the Executive Committee, but all signs point to it going through. If it does, Oregon is perfectly positioned to take advantage.
Start with Moore. He’s the guy.
A Heisman candidate, a projected first-round NFL Draft pick, and the clear leader of this offense heading into the season. But now, behind him, the Ducks have Raiola-who brings 22 games of Big Ten starting experience and a résumé that includes a 72.4% completion rate last year, the best single-season mark in Nebraska history.
He threw for 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions in his sophomore campaign. That’s not just a quality backup; that’s a legitimate starter waiting in the wings.
What this creates is a rare situation: two quarterbacks with elite upside, both in the perfect spot to grow without pressure. Moore gets the reins, Raiola gets time to develop under a new system without being rushed, and Oregon gets peace of mind.
If something happens-injury, slump, whatever-they’ve got a proven option ready to go. That’s the kind of insurance you need if you’re eyeing a deep College Football Playoff run.
And the depth doesn’t stop there. Oregon also has Brock Thomas, a grinder with strong practice habits and a reputation for doing all the little things right.
Then there’s Akili Smith Jr., a 6-foot-6 underclassman with an accurate arm and a ton of upside. Four quarterbacks, each with a defined role, all bought in.
In the age of the Transfer Portal, where depth charts change overnight and top talent rarely waits their turn, that’s almost unheard of.
The Ducks are set under center. Now the focus shifts to the guys protecting them.
Oregon is currently in a fierce battle for 5-star left tackle Jordan Seaton, a transfer from Colorado and the No. 1 offensive line prospect in the portal. Locking him in would go a long way toward solidifying the 2026 offensive line and giving Moore-and potentially Raiola-the kind of protection that lets this offense hit its ceiling.
Quarterback? Check.
Depth? Check.
Now it's about building the wall in front of them. If the Ducks can land Seaton and round out the offensive line, they won’t just be one of the most talented teams in the country-they’ll be one of the most complete.