Oregon Ducks’ Shocking QB Transfer Prediction: Will It Change Everything for Dan Lanning?

The Oregon Ducks faced a disheartening end to their season, suffering a staggering 56-22 defeat against the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl. With the final whistle signaling the conclusion of a season filled with ups and downs, head coach Dan Lanning now finds himself at a critical crossroads. The Ducks have pressing needs to address during the offseason, particularly at the quarterback position.

As the Ducks prepare for the future, they must fill the void left by Dante Moore, who is projected to be a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This shift puts Oregon in a position where they need to look into the transfer portal for a capable quarterback to lead the team next season. Recent reports from CBS Sports insiders Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer suggest that Oregon may be eyeing former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola as a potential addition. On January 11, Zenitz shared via X, “Have teamed with @chris_hummer in placing Crystal Ball predictions in favor of Oregon to land former Nebraska star QB Dylan Raiola.”

The Potential Impact of Dylan Raiola

Dylan Raiola has become a name to watch in college football, not only for his skills but also for his striking resemblance to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While the comparisons to Mahomes have been prevalent, Raiola has yet to fully realize his potential on the field. During his two years with the Cornhuskers, he completed 69.1 percent of his passes, accumulating 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. However, his 2025 season was cut short due to a broken fibula suffered against the USC Trojans on November 1.

If Raiola decides to join the Ducks, he could find himself in an ideal environment to develop under Coach Lanning. Oregon's offensive scheme could offer the kind of framework that helps unlock his full potential, especially after experiencing setbacks in his early college career.

The transfer portal has become a vital resource for college football teams looking to reshape their rosters, and it has taken on even greater significance this season. So far, the Ducks have seen several players enter the portal, including defensive backs Jahlil Florence, Sione Laulea, and Solomon Davis, along with running backs Makhi Hughes and Jay Harris, and wide receiver Kyler Kasper. As the Ducks navigate the portal, Lanning must act decisively to fill the gaps left by departing players and to bolster the team's competitiveness for next season.

Bringing in a player like Raiola could be a game-changer for Oregon. With his raw talent and the potential for growth, he represents the kind of investment that the Ducks need to make if they are serious about returning to contention in the Pac-12. The transfer portal window will close on January 16, and Oregon is expected to be active in securing new talent during this critical period.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Coach Lanning and his strategy for rebuilding the Ducks. With significant changes on the horizon, the decisions made in the coming weeks could define the future trajectory of Oregon football.