Oregon Ducks' 2026 Position Preview: Quarterbacks
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The 2026 college football season is right around the corner, which means it's time to examine the Oregon Ducks' roster ahead of Week One.
Head coach Dan Lanning did an incredible job of building one of the best rosters throughout the course of the offseason. Whether it was retaining multiple key playmakers from the 2025 season or the additions made via the transfer portal, the Ducks are well-equipped to make a title run this year.
One of the most important groups that Lanning and the coaching staff addressed this offseason was the quarterback position, as the program is set to return a familiar face, along with a newcomer in 2026.
Oregon Ducks' Lethal Quarterback Room
Last year, the Ducks put their faith in quarterback Dante Moore after sitting behind former standout Dillon Gabriel in 2024. The bold decision ultimately paid off for the program, with Moore blowing through expectations in his first year as the starter for Oregon. Moore finished his 2025 campaign with 3,565 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while leading the Ducks to a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance against the Indiana Hoosiers.
With such an impressive resume, many believed that Moore would declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the highly-touted playmaker made the shocking decision to return for another season with the Ducks.
Now, with Moore back in the picture for the upcoming season, the sky is the limit for Oregon's offense.
The former five-star high school recruit did an excellent job running the Ducks' offense last year by playing in rhythm and getting the ball out on time. In addition to dominance in the passing game, Moore can create with his legs, as he proved many times to scramble out of the pocket when the play breaks down.
There are, however, some parts of his game that he must improve in order for the Ducks' offense to take the next step. Moore struggled the most during the program's playoff run last season, with his ability to step up in the big game being one of his biggest knocks.
The interesting twist to the Ducks' quarterback room is the addition of former Nebraska Cornhuskers star Dylan Raiola. After spending the last two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers, Raiola entered the transfer portal this offseason. He would eventually commit to the Ducks, and despite the return of Moore, the young playmaker decided to stay in Eugene and learn behind Oregon's starting quarterback.
If Moore remains healthy for the entire duration of the 2026 season, Raiola will get a full year to learn and grow behind the projected 2027 first-round pick. But if Moore has to miss time at any point, the Ducks have an experienced backup that has plenty of potential.
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