After weeks of speculation and debate, the decision is finally official: Dante Moore is returning to Oregon. What once felt like one of the most significant question marks of the offseason has now become one of the most defining moments of it, not just for the Ducks, but for college football and the NFL draft landscape alike.
What looked uncertain just days ago now might be Oregon’s greatest strength. Let’s take a deep dive into what could very well be the best quarterback room in all of college football.
2026 Oregon Depth Chart: Quarterbacks Led by Dante Moore
At the top of the depth chart is Dante Moore, the unquestioned leader of the room after a breakout season that firmly placed him among the elite quarterbacks in the country. Moore guided Oregon to an 11–1 regular season, emerging as one of the most highly regarded draft prospects at his position by year’s end.
Backing him up is one of the most fascinating developments of the offseason: Dylan Raiola, the former five-star quarterback who transferred from Nebraska to Eugene in a stunning move. Raiola’s arrival initially sparked speculation that Moore might declare for the draft, but instead, it reinforced the Ducks’ long-term vision. Raiola is fully bought into development, not immediate entitlement.
Rounding out the room are Akili Smith Jr., a former four-star recruit with intriguing upside, and Brock Thomas, a steady presence with more time in the program. Meanwhile, Austin Novosad and Luke Moga exited via the transfer portal, further clarifying the hierarchy.
Dante Moore
There is no quarterback debate in Eugene heading into the 2026 season. Dante Moore is QB1, and the plan is firmly in place.
Much like Moore did when he transferred to Oregon and learned under Dillon Gabriel, the Ducks are now positioning him as the mentor, while still being the centerpiece. Moore continues to show why that trust is warranted.
He finished the season ranked as QB2 on PFSN’s consensus big boards for the 2026 NFL Draft, a clear indicator of how NFL evaluators view his ceiling. Even more telling were his PFSN CFB QB Impact Grades, where he ranked 22nd nationally with an 85.9 grade, a substantial number that also highlights the significant room he still has to grow.
That growth mindset is exactly why Moore’s decision to return matters. Despite the opportunity to enter the draft early and potentially cash in, Moore opted to refine his game and further elevate his stock. That level of maturity is rare and telling.
On the field, Moore was a driving force behind Oregon’s success. He led the Ducks to a top-15 PFSN offensive impact grade (84.6), consistently delivering in high-leverage moments. His 72.5% completion percentage, third-best in all of college football, underscores his efficiency and command of the offense.
Simply put, Moore isn’t just returning; he’s returning with unfinished business.
Dylan Raiola
Few quarterbacks in the country possess the raw talent of Dylan Raiola. The former star recruit has all the physical tools to become one of the best players at the position, but his time at Nebraska showed that talent alone isn’t enough.
Across his two seasons as the Cornhuskers’ starter, Raiola posted PFSN QB Impact Grades of 77.1 (2025) and 73.3, both well below expectations for a player of his pedigree. In many ways, the idea of Dylan Raiola has been better than the production.
That’s where Oregon becomes the perfect reset. Raiola is now following a path similar to Moore’s of stepping back, learning, and developing rather than forcing the issue. His arm talent is undeniable, but his next step is mental and structural. Raiola needs to embrace his identity as a multi-dimensional pocket passer, trust the offense, and resist the urge to rush plays or create unnecessary turnovers.
MORE: Report: CFB Coaches Label Dylan Raiola ‘Second Tier’ QB As Biggest Issue Identified
If he commits fully to in-structure growth, Oregon may have the most talented QB2 in the country, and potentially the next elite starter waiting in the wings.
Akili Smith Jr. and Brock Thomas
The QB3 role appears wide open.
Brock Thomas has the advantage of experience and familiarity with the program, while Akili Smith Jr. brings higher upside as a former four-star recruit with intriguing physical tools. Smith’s ceiling likely exceeds Thomas’, but Thomas offers reliability, stability, and leadership.
Realistically, neither quarterback is expected to see meaningful playing time in 2026, barring injury. With Moore and Raiola anchoring the top of the depth chart, this is a room that’s as top-heavy as any in the country.
Smith will continue to develop for the future, while Thomas remains a trusted locker room presence and a valuable asset, even without playing on the field.
Final Verdict
With Dante Moore’s return and Dylan Raiola’s arrival, Oregon has transformed uncertainty into dominance. The Ducks boast elite production at the top, generational talent waiting in the wings, and developmental depth below.
Moore’s return represents one of the largest dominoes to fall this offseason. Moore chose development, stability, and long-term upside. That choice dramatically reshapes Oregon’s outlook.
Does Oregon have college football’s best quarterback depth chart?
