Oregon’s quarterback picture is still clouded with uncertainty as Dante Moore continues to deliberate on his NFL future. But while Moore’s decision hangs in the balance, the Ducks aren’t standing still. Behind the scenes, Oregon is already laying the groundwork for what comes next - and that includes keeping close tabs on some of the biggest names in the transfer portal.
One name that’s already surfaced? Dylan Raiola.
The former five-star quarterback is reportedly evaluating his options as the portal window approaches, and Oregon is in the conversation. That shouldn’t come as a surprise.
The Ducks were deeply involved in Raiola’s recruitment out of high school in Georgia, offering early and staying engaged throughout the process. While he ultimately committed to Nebraska, Oregon was a major player for much of the way and kept the lines of communication open.
Now, with Raiola potentially on the move again, that long-standing relationship could come back into play. Raiola brings more than just name recognition - he’s got two years of eligibility left and the kind of pedigree that would make him an instant headline addition.
Of course, any serious pursuit hinges on what Moore decides. But Raiola’s inclusion in the mix shows that Oregon is thinking ahead, not waiting around.
Another quarterback to watch is Sam Leavitt. According to reports, Leavitt is interested in Oregon after entering the portal following a season at Arizona State.
The fit here makes a lot of sense. Leavitt played his high school ball at West Linn - just outside of Portland - so there’s already a strong local connection.
And his college journey has taken him through Michigan State and Arizona State, giving him experience in multiple Power Five systems.
Leavitt also brings a winning résumé. He helped lead the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff in 2024 - no small feat. With two years of eligibility remaining, he offers a blend of experience, mobility, and familiarity with the region that could make him a seamless addition if Oregon needs to move quickly.
What’s clear is that Oregon isn’t waiting for the portal to open on January 2 to start doing its homework. These early connections don’t necessarily mean the Ducks are ready to move on from Moore - far from it.
But they do reflect the program’s understanding of how fluid the quarterback position has become in today’s college football landscape. Being proactive isn’t just smart - it’s essential.
Whether Moore returns or heads to the NFL, Oregon is positioning itself to be ready. Because in a sport where the quarterback is everything, standing still just isn’t an option.