In his second year starting at Nebraska this season Dylan Raiola set a school record for completion percentage at 72.4 percent.
Like Bo Nix at Auburn Raiola carried a heavy weight of expectation as the Husker quarterback. The son of a Nebraska legend, Rimington Award winning center Dominic Raiola, a 14-year veteran in the NFL, the 5-star QB was expected to be a savior.
"He's got so many eyes on him," head coach Matt Rhule said in June. "He has the weight and pressure of an entire fanbase -- of an entire state -- of a blue blood like Nebraska. First year, you come in, to me, if you're a big-time recruit, it's about learning how to handle the pressure. Learning how to handle the frustrating moments. I think he did that really well."
The reason to be excited about Raiola coming to the Ducks is the trendline. In spite of the antics and quirks, the cringy copying of Patrick Mahomes' mannerisms, he improved significantly Year One to Year Two. As a freshman he completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,819 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while going 7-5 as a starter.
Sophomore year, in nine games before getting hurt against USC on November 1st, the Hawaii native (lived on the Islands until he was 12) completed 72.4 percent for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns with just six interceptions while starting the year 5-1.
Like Dante Moore he's still just 20. Raiola comes to the Ducks with 22 college starts, 13-9 as a starter.
A culture that emphasizes growth and connection is just what Raiola needs to achieve his potential
The Mahomes stuff he can grow out of. Dan Lanning will challenge him to find his own identity and trust his strengths as a quarterback. He took a frightening number of sacks for Big Red (54 in two seasons) but in Eugene he'll have a better supporting cast, a more consistent offensive line and one of the best receiver corps in college football, plus Dierre Hill and Jordon Davison, a strong running game.
Particularly if Moore returns, this is a sound decision by Lanning and his staff. How many programs will have a backup quarterback with 22 career starts?
Raiola had surgery in November for a broken fibula, with timetable of 3-6 months for a full athletic recovery. That's another way the decision makes sense. Oregon has the best medical and athletic training staff in the country
Dylan Raiola is an Oregon Duck. I am going to try to be positive, and support him while he is a Duck. Maybe he will win me over like Bo Nix did quickly. Just no Mahomes stuff please. pic.twitter.com/DioacO5ozD
— The Duck Backers (@DuckBackers) January 12, 2026