Dan Lanning shows enthusiasm about the recovery of Ducks’ new QB, Dylan Raiola

The serious injury Dylan Raiola suffered last season while playing college football at Nebraska didn’t stop him from entering the transfer portal. There, he found a spot on a contender like the Oregon Ducks, who in recent years have been led by Dan Lanning.

Last Thursday, the quarterback returned to the field fully recovered from his broken fibula, and his new coach is excited about what’s ahead: “He’s working,” Lanning said via on3.com. “He was able to practice with us today. We’re being conscientious of where he’s at as he comes back. But he’s pushing.

“And it’s new for him. He’s coming into a new system. But he’s learning it well. He’s definitely a cerebral player that can make the throws, so very excited about where he’s at and where he’ll continue to grow.”

An intriguing QB battle in Eugene

After Dante Moore shocked the scouting world by forgoing the NFL Draft—where he was projected as a top-five pick—to return for his junior year, the Ducks solidified their status as immediate national title contenders.

The dynamic shifted further when former five-star recruit Dylan Raiola transferred from Nebraska in January, reportedly willing to redshirt or compete for the backup role to develop within Lanning’s system.

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While Moore remains the heavy favorite to retain his starting job following a 3,500-yard, 30-touchdown campaign, the arrival of Raiola provides Oregon with unprecedented security and sets up a fascinating leadership dynamic in Eugene.

Moore acknowledges Raiola’s situation

At one point, Dante Moore found himself in the same situation that Dylan Raiola is in today. Dillon Gabriel was until recently the team’s primary quarterback, so being his backup helped Moore a lot as he got started in this new stage.

“More of it was, with Dylan coming in and kind of play the role like Dillon Gabriel did for me when I first came in,” Moore revealed. “Making sure that I was in tune with things when it came to the offense. Always there to help Dylan out, just to push him at practice and push him in the weight room. Just be that energy source that he needs and make sure he gets through his days.

“Of course, Dylan Raiola, when he came in, he talked to me. He opened up the table and just vented to me about things he needs to work on, things he can help me with. And I really appreciate that.”