Dante Moore enjoying friendship with new teammate Dylan Raiola
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore searches for an open target downfield against Iowa Saturday November 8, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
EUGENE, Oregon — Oregon’s star quarterback is having a memorable spring after befriending a new teammate, and realizing that their bond stretches beyond the field.
When Dante Moore announced his return to the Ducks, it instantly made them National Title contenders for the 2026 season. After all, he led Oregon to a 13-2 campaign, earned All-Big Ten honors and placed the NFL on the backburner. Now Moore is the big man on campus, and has no problems sharing that spotlight with former Nebraska gunslinger Dylan Raiola.
All eyes are on the Ducks’ quarterback room this spring, and Moore believes the addition of Raiola only strengthens the unit.
“Dylan is special, he’s somebody that’s a great human, he has great energy and we like the same music,” Moore said. “In the early mornings he’s always blasting stuff, and we kind of relate to each other that way.”
Not to mention Raiola is back fully healthy after recovering from a broken right fibula during last year’s game against USC. In Moore’s eyes, Raiola is ahead of schedule, and the offense is benefiting from the two pushing each other in practice. Moore admires Raiola’s arm, and the experience he brings to the program, knowing the best is yet to come.
“Overall when it comes to talent, he (Raiola) can make any throw, he’s a leader already and he’s using his voice,” he said. “Of course it’s just the little things when it comes to checking certain plays, coverage, just making sure that he has all of the tools that I’ve been learning.”
Oregon has an impressive track record with quarterbacks under Coach Dan Lanning, including Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel who were NFL starters last season. Moore would’ve been a first-rounder had he decided to leave after last season’s success, but felt there’s unfinished business.
A National Championship is still missing from Oregon’s trophy case, and that’s more than enough motivation for Moore. Having Raiola by his side this spring is the cherry on top. Besides football, the signal-callers find themselves competing in other sports, including golf, and Moore believes Raiola is a natural.
“He’s really good at golf, he can hit the ball very far and straight,” the 20-year old said. “So I’m trying to get better with that, but overall he’s a great guy, and I love him to death.”
The Ducks just completed practice No. 9, and Raiola feels refreshed. He’s focusing on polishing his footwork, building chemistry with the pass-catchers, and learning the playbook. Raiola is enjoying every moment with Moore, trusts the coaching staff, and continues to work hard at earning the respect of his teammates. Above all, Raiola wants to contribute and do whatever the coaches require to help the offense get better.
“I’m trying to just maximize this year on everything, getting healthy, getting back to a place where I can play, compete and do the things that I love doing,” Raiola said. “Mainly the connection of this team, being able to learn as a leader, learn from Coach Lanning, Dante and all of the fellas here.”
Iron sharpens iron, and Moore isn’t looking at the situation like Raiola is coming for his spot. Moore understands that they both share the same goals, and should compliment each other’s game. There’s still a lot of work to do, with a long season looming, especially in the physical Big Ten. So having two quality quarterbacks battling it out throughout spring ball should benefit all parties involved in Moore’s mind.
“He’s pushing me in the weight room, I’m pushing him in the weight room, he’s pushing me on the field, and I’m pushing him on the field, so at the end of the day he’s a great guy.”
