One of the Oregon Ducks' biggest acquisitions through the transfer portal in the offseason might not see the field this season, and that's just fine with Dan Lanning.
The Ducks brought in former top recruit and Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, and Raiola knew the situation he was stepping into. After starting as a true freshman and playing two seasons under center with the Cornhuskers, Raiola is taking a step back, learning and developing behind Heisman candidate Dante Moore in Eugene.
Raiola had an impressive spring game, connecting on 7-of-13 passes for a game-high 146 yards and a touchdown. He hit receiver Evan Stewart down the sideline early in the game for a 76-yard score. That's a performance that many teams in the Big Ten would like out
of their starter, as well as other programs around the country.
So, is this a one-year stop for Raiola, just to jump in the portal again and find a new home as a starter? Lanning doesn't think so.
"I think there's always a looming threat (of the transfer portal), but not with Dylan," Lanning said at Big Ten media days. "I feel that Dylan chose Oregon knowing in advance what it looks like at Oregon, right? He wanted to sign up for an opportunity to be with us. We were very transparent throughout the process that there's a great chance that Dante could be back. Dylan's done an unbelievable job changing his body, working really hard."
Raiola is expected to take on the backup role this season with the Ducks over Brock Thomas and Akili Smith Jr. in the quarterback room. While the 2027 season is a long way away, it's fair to pencil Raiola in as the frontrunner to lead the offense next season. There is no shortage of talent in his arm, and a year to sit and watch could reinvent his perspective as a passer.
"He's got unbelievable talent," Lanning said. "He's a really smart player that has the opportunity to get exposed to our system. And you know, the reality is that you're only as strong as all your players. You need everybody to be a part of that, and Dylan's a big part of the success that we'll have this season, as well as every other quarterback in that room."
There is no quarterback controversy in Eugene this season. Raiola might have the inside track to the job next season, but he will be pushed by the likes of Thomas and Smith, and potentially five-star commit Will Mencl.
For now, if something unexpected were to pull Moore from the lineup, there is plenty of confidence that Raiola could step into the offense and lead, not just this season, but in the future as well.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Lanning: Dylan Raiola chose the Oregon Ducks for the long haul
