Dante Moore returning to Oregon for this season answered the question at quarterback in the short term, but this season was always going to be about potentially finding out if a long-term answer was on the roster. The Ducks added Dylan Raiola from Nebraska in a similar manner to the way they added Dante Moore, and it gives the coaching staff an up-close look at how he develops. What the coaching staff likely didn't predict was having to start the Nebraska transfer with Moore sidelined.
Thus far, both Brock Thomas and Dylan Raiola have struggled, each getting benched in their first starts. If Dante Moore doesn't return the rest of the way, Oregon is going to know if Raiola, Thomas, or Akili Smith Jr. can be counted on for next season, and with the staff's reliance on transfer quarterbacks, fans are already starting to eye other options.
Bryce Underwood's benching could create interesting transfer storyline
Coming into the season, there were high hopes for the former No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood after an up-and-down freshman season. Instead, with the new coaching staff, Underwood has struggled to the point that he was benched in the Penn State game for Tommy Carr. On Tuesday, the decision was announced that Tommy Carr would be starting vs. Indiana.
NEW: Michigan is set to start QB Tommy Carr over Bryce Underwood against Indiana, @PeteNakos reports. https://t.co/yGwNcoIE1p pic.twitter.com/el4XW8fvuT
— On3 (@On3) October 21, 2026
Given how highly regarded Bryce Underwood was as a recruit, everyone's pointing toward him eventually entering the Transfer Portal after the season. If the move ends up happening has a ton of moving parts such as his massive NIL deal, but if he does enter the Transfer Portal, he'll be an interesting player to follow.
Oregon and Dan Lanning have developed a reputation for adding former 5-star recruits and developing them after underwhelming starts to their careers. From Bo Nix to Dante Moore, and now Dylan Raiola, it's clear the staff is going to bet on talent and their ability to develop players, which could make Bryce Underwood a potential target.
If Oregon is going to target Bryce Underwood, they could get great insights and a potential recruiter from Dante Moore. The two Michigan natives are friendly, and no one can speak better to the impact Oregon's process can have than Dante Moore.
At Big Ten Media Days, Dante Moore was asked about his potential homecoming to the state of Michigan, and he spoke highly of Bryce Underwood's talent, calling the former 5-star recruit "special".
"Bryce is a great man he's, of course, someone that has all the attributes when it comes to running, throwing. There's all these things, and he is a great guy. But, overall, just his talent, he's special, man. He's going to have a great year for sure."Dante Moore
If Oregon were to pursue Bryce Underwood, there is another player who could impact the recruitment in favor of the Ducks. Dakorien Moore and Bryce Underwood were once LSU commits together and built up a relationship. While LSU fans were dreaming of the duo playing together, those ties could help Oregon in a potential recruitment.
Underwood's struggles could create some pause for the Ducks, but he'd also bring an exciting element with his dual-threat ability. This season, Underwood is completing just 58.1% of his passes, with 5 passing touchdowns and 6 interceptions, with most of his success coming from his 223 rushing yards. The Ducks would have to feel comfortable with their ability to develop him as a passer, which is always a big risk.
What Oregon does this offseason is going to rely on what the Ducks see the rest of the season, especially if Dante Moore continues to miss time. Dylan Raiola's development will play a massive role, as will Akili Smith Jr's as they could both lessen the need to add a quarterback. If none of the Ducks' quarterbacks stake their claim as the clear starter for next season, then the Transfer Portal will be the likely outcome, and Underwood could become a name to watch.
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