Dylan Raiola: Injury, NFL Draft Prospects, Age, Dante Moore Situation & Transfer Portal Impact (2026)

Dylan Raiola has become one of the most compelling and talked-about figures in college football today. From being a prized high-school recruit to a rising star quarterback whose trajectory was altered by injury, Raiola’s journey has captured national attention — especially with his recent transfer to the Oregon Ducks, the uncertainty surrounding Dante Moore’s NFL Draft decision, and the ongoing transfer portal shakeup in NCAA football.

In this article, we’ll break down Raiola’s background, his injury and recovery timeline, NFL Draft discussion, the Dante Moore situation’s implications for Oregon, and how the transfer portal is reshaping his future.

Who Is Dylan Raiola? Early Life & College Beginnings

Dylan Raiola was born on May 9, 2005, in Hawaii, and quickly rose to prominence as one of the nation’s most elite quarterback prospects. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing around 230 lbs, Raiola showcased remarkable arm talent, poise, and football IQ — traits that made him one of the top high-school recruits in the Class of 2024.

Raiola’s early athletic journey included stops at multiple high schools across the country before he ultimately committed to and signed with the University of Nebraska, where he began his college football career in 2024.

Nebraska Success & Record-Setting Freshman Season

Raiola’s freshman year at Nebraska was filled with promise. As a true freshman, he started and posted impressive stats — including 2,819 passing yards, 13 touchdown passes, and a 67.1% completion rate — helping Nebraska reach a bowl game for the first time since 2016.

His performance earned him national recognition and highlighted his potential as a foundational piece for Nebraska’s offense under then-head coach Matt Rhule. Fans and analysts alike began comparing his style and swagger to established NFL stars — with many noting his Patrick Mahomes-like traits, which earned him the nickname “Baby Mahomes.”

2025 Season & Broken Fibula

The 2025 season started strong for Raiola, with a 72.4% completion percentage, 2,000 passing yards, and 18 touchdowns in nine games.

However, his momentum came to a sudden halt on November 1, 2025, when he suffered a broken right fibula in a showdown against the USC Trojans. This injury ended his season prematurely, triggering surgery and a significant rehabilitation period.

News reports confirmed that the injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season and forced true freshman TJ Lateef into the starting role.

Despite the setback, Raiola’s on-field performance up to that point — including high accuracy and leadership — demonstrated his elite potential. This made his upcoming decisions regarding transfer and future play all the more significant.

Entering the Transfer Portal & Decision to Leave Nebraska

Following his recovery, Raiola entered the NCAA transfer portal in late 2025, seeking a new opportunity after his injury. Despite his youth and eligibility remaining, the shift reflected his ambition to elevate his profile and compete at a Power Five level with greater national visibility.

On January 12, 2026, Raiola announced his commitment to the University of Oregon Ducks, a move that instantly reshaped expectations for both his future and Oregon’s quarterback room.

Why Oregon? A Strategic Move

The Oregon Ducks have been a hotbed for high-profile quarterbacks in recent years. As of early 2026, Oregon’s projected starter, Dante Moore, was weighing his decision about declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. This created a window of opportunity for Raiola.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning has proven success developing quarterbacks, making Eugene an appealing landing spot for Raiola as he looks to fully recover and build his draft stock. Additionally, Oregon’s offense provides a showcase environment that could reinvigorate Raiola’s standing among NFL evaluators.

Dante Moore’s NFL Draft Decision and Its Impact

Dante Moore, Oregon’s current starter, was widely projected as a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — even as high as second overall — if he entered.

However, Moore publicly announced in January 2026 that he would return to Oregon for the 2026 season, choosing development and team success over turning pro early.

Moore’s decision has several important implications:

• For Oregon’s QB room: Raiola may now initially serve as a backup or even redshirt in 2026, giving him time to fully recover from his injury and learn Oregon’s offensive system.

• For Raiola’s development: Being in a competitive environment with a proven starter could heighten his long-term NFL prospects, perhaps for the 2027 draft.

• For the NFL Draft landscape: Moore’s return reshapes quarterback projections and creates more uncertainty — giving opportunities to others like Raiola to rise in future drafts.

Injury Recovery & Future Outlook

Raiola’s broken fibula was serious but not career-ending. Most athletes with similar injuries return to full strength after proper surgery and rehabilitation. As of early 2026, he is considered on track to be ready for spring practice at Oregon, suggesting his long-term future remains bright.

His combination of elite high school pedigree, college performance, and proven recovery strength could keep him on NFL teams’ radar once he is fully healthy and able to showcase his talents again.

NFL Draft Prospects: Where Does Raiola Stand?

Raiola is not currently eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, given his age (born in 2005) and status, but he could enter future drafts once he has established full health and on-field performance at Oregon.

Draft analysts may view Raiola as:

• A mid-to-late round project pick if his Oregon tenure shows strong progression.

• A Top QB talent in future drafts if he dominates once healthy and leads Oregon’s offense with high production.

• A high upside passer due to arm talent, accuracy, and leadership traits shown at Nebraska.

His development in a stable and high-profile system will be key.

Transfer Portal Trends & College Football’s New Landscape

Raiola’s transfer is part of a larger transformation in college sports:

• The transfer portal has become a primary route for players seeking better fits, competitive opportunities, or recovery environments after injury.

• Oregon has gained not only Raiola but has also seen backup QBs enter the portal after Dante Moore’s decision to stay.

These trends highlight how fluid collegiate rosters are today and how elite players like Raiola seek the best path forward.

Personal Life & Extra Context

Off the field, Raiola has maintained a relatively private life focused on football and academics. He gained additional popularity for his personality and football flair during his time at Nebraska, often seen interacting with teammates, coaches, and fans.

While comparisons to Patrick Mahomes have surfaced in media and fan circles — both for playing style and personality — Raiola continues to forge his own identity as a rising college star.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Dylan Raiola?

2026 Season

Raiola’s first year at Oregon may be spent as a backup or developmental player, allowing him to:

• Fully recover from injury

• Learn Oregon’s playbook

• Prepare mentally and physically for a potential 2027 NFL Draft jump

2027 & Beyond

Assuming healthy play and high performance, Raiola could enter future NFL Draft conversations and establish himself as one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in college football.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old is Dylan Raiola?
Dylan Raiola was born on May 9, 2005, making him 20 years old as of early 2026.

2. What injury did Dylan Raiola suffer?
Raiola suffered a broken right fibula during Nebraska’s 2025 season, which ended his year and led to surgery and rehabilitation.

3. Is Dylan Raiola entering the 2026 NFL Draft?
No. Raiola is expected to focus on recovery and play at Oregon first. His NFL Draft eligibility would come later, likely after subsequent college seasons.

4. Why did Dylan Raiola transfer to Oregon?
Raiola entered the transfer portal after his injury and decided Oregon offered a path to development, exposure, and competition, especially with Dante Moore’s impending decision.

5. What’s the connection between Dylan Raiola and Dante Moore?
Raiola’s transfer to Oregon directly intersects with Moore’s situation. Moore’s decision to stay for the 2026 season means Raiola may initially be in a backup role but also strengthens Oregon’s overall QB depth.

Conclusion

Dylan Raiola’s journey from elite recruit to injury-hit quarterback, and now a high-profile transfer to the Oregon Ducks, is a testament to resilience and adaptability in collegiate sports. Though his path has had twists — from a broken fibula to transfer decisions — the future looks promising if he continues to develop, stay healthy, and take advantage of his new opportunities in Eugene.