The Rise of the Backup Quarterback
The Athletic’s annual ranking of the top ten backup quarterbacks in college football has become a barometer for depth across the FBS, and this year’s edition places Oregon’s newly signed Dylan Raiola at the summit.
Raiola arrives in Eugene after two seasons as the starter at Nebraska, where he compiled a 13‑9 record, threw for 4,819 yards and 31 touchdowns while completing 69.1 percent of his passes. His blend of poise and experience has made him the most coveted reserve in the nation.
He will now sit behind Dante Moore, the highly touted quarterback who is expected to lead Oregon’s offense this fall. Raiola’s presence is seen as a year‑long apprenticeship that could position him to inherit the starting role in 2027.
Nebraska’s Alumni Turned Oregon’s Mentor
Raiola’s journey from Nebraska’s Cornhuskers to Oregon’s Ducks illustrates how a proven starter can reshape a program’s outlook in a single offseason. His familiarity with pro‑style offenses and his track record of high‑completion rates give Oregon’s coaching staff a reliable safety net as they integrate Moore into the starting lineup.
Conference Contenders on the Rise
Ohio State’s Tavien St. Clair slides into the fifth spot after a stellar recruitment profile that labeled him a five‑star prospect in the 2025 class. Though he will back up Julian Sayin this season, analysts believe his skill set could translate into a future starter.
Michigan’s Brayden Fowler‑Nicolosi rounds out the top ten after transferring from Colorado State for his final year of eligibility. Alongside freshmen Tommy Carr and Brady Smigiel, Fowler‑Nicolosi adds depth to a Wolverines squad that is already projected to contend for a playoff berth.
The convergence of veteran backup talent and emerging freshmen underscores a shifting paradigm: programs are increasingly leveraging experienced reserves to cushion the inevitable turnover at the quarterback position, while also investing in younger arms who may soon eclipse their predecessors.