It’s been a whirlwind week for the Oregon Ducks football program. The team’s riding some highs but also dealing with a few tough breaks.
Star quarterback Dante Moore gave fans a reason to celebrate by announcing he’ll return for another season. But just as Ducks fans were catching their breath, top 2026 quarterback recruit Bryson Beaver jumped into the transfer portal.
With a national title in their sights for 2026, head coach Dan Lanning and his staff are hustling to keep things on track. Let’s take a closer look at what’s been going on and what it all might mean for the Ducks’ future.
The Return of Dante Moore
After a gutting loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Oregon fans desperately needed some good news. Dante Moore, the team’s star quarterback, announced he’s coming back for another run.
The timing couldn’t be better. Oregon wants to build on recent momentum and make a real push for the 2026 national title.
Having Moore back brings stability and leadership to a squad that’s already playing at a high level. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in college football, and his presence just can’t be overstated.
Moore’s Impact on the Team
Moore under center is a game-changer. Defenses struggle to contain his dual-threat ability—he’s dangerous both throwing and running.
With Moore leading the offense, Oregon looks like a real contender for the national championship. He’s not just a playmaker; he’s a respected leader in the locker room.
His choice to return shows his teammates he’s not done yet and sets the tone for the whole squad. There’s a sense of unfinished business in Eugene.
Oregon’s Quarterback Depth
Moore’s return is huge, but that’s not all. The Ducks added Dylan Raiola, who transferred in from Nebraska, to back up Moore for 2026.
Raiola’s arrival gives Oregon a solid insurance policy if things get dicey. You never know what a season might throw at you.
Dylan Raiola’s Role
This move works for Raiola and for the Ducks. He gets a chance to learn from one of the best and could take over as starter in 2027.
For Oregon, it means there’s a capable, experienced backup ready if needed. Raiola’s got a skillset that fits nicely with Moore’s style.
He started at Nebraska, so he’s no stranger to big moments. Having both Moore and Raiola gives Oregon a strong quarterback duo heading into a challenging season.
The Departure of Bryson Beaver
Of course, it’s not all sunshine. Bryson Beaver, a highly-touted recruit from Murrieta, California, decided to hit the transfer portal.
He’s looking for a place where he can get on the field faster. That’s tough news for Oregon, considering Beaver was a four-star recruit in the 2026 class.
Beaver’s Potential
According to 247Sports Composite rankings, he was the No. 19 recruit in California and the No. 12 quarterback in the country. Losing him stings, no doubt.
But with Moore sticking around and Raiola coming in, Beaver probably saw his chances for playing time shrink. Honestly, it makes sense he’d want to find a better fit to show what he can do.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
So here we are, heading into 2026 with a mix of hope and determination. Dante Moore’s return and Dylan Raiola’s addition give Oregon a strong foundation at quarterback.
At the same time, losing Beaver means the Ducks have to adjust. There’s always a curveball, right?
Head Coach Dan Lanning’s Vision
Head coach Dan Lanning has led the Ducks to some serious success. Now in his fifth season, he’s got a 48-8 overall record and 26 wins over the last two years.
Lanning wants to build a championship-caliber team that can compete at the very top. He’s recruited top talent and helped players develop, which is a big reason Oregon’s been so strong lately.
As the Ducks chase the ultimate prize, Lanning’s leadership will matter more than ever. The road ahead isn’t easy, but there’s a sense that something special might be brewing in Eugene.
Conclusion
The Oregon Ducks football program faces a pretty interesting crossroads as they look ahead to the 2026 season. Dante Moore is coming back, and with Dylan Raiola joining the mix, the quarterback spot suddenly feels pretty solid—maybe even exciting.
But losing Bryson Beaver? That’s a real headache. The team needs to figure out how to fill that gap, and honestly, it’s not going to be easy.
Head coach Dan Lanning has his work cut out for him, but if anyone can keep this team chasing a national title, it’s probably him. The Ducks aren’t backing down from their big ambitions anytime soon.
Curious about all the details? Check out the full article on Athlon Sports.
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