A deep quarterback room reshapes Oregon's title hopes
Pro Football Focus recently placed the Oregon Ducks' quarterback group at the top of its list of the deepest rooms in the nation as the 2026 season approaches, outranking traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State and Notre Dame.
At the center of that unit is team captain Dante Moore, who elected to remain for a third collegiate season after delivering a standout 2025 campaign that yielded 30 passing touchdowns and two rushing scores.
Moore’s decision to stay bucks an early projection that had him slated among the top five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft; instead, he is using the extra year to sharpen his game and position himself for a 2027 draft that could culminate in a historic national championship for the Ducks.
Joining Moore is Dylan Raiola, a former Nebraska starter who transferred to Oregon and is now in his third year with the program, expected to serve as the primary backup while absorbing the new offensive scheme.
Brock Thomas, who logged 130 passing yards in limited action last season, remains the third‑string option, while redshirt freshman Akili Smith Jr., despite being in his second year, is projected to see minimal snaps unless the depth chart is reshaped.
The breadth of experience and talent across the position gives Oregon a rare advantage, a factor that analysts say could prove decisive as the Ducks aim to translate depth into a championship run.