The Oregon Ducks are known for having strong quarterback rooms. In years past, they’ve seen guys like Marcus Mariota, Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, and Dillon Gabriel walk through the program. This past year, it was Dante Moore who led Oregon onto the field, rising up the ranks as one of the best pure passers in the country.
And after Wednesday’s announcement, Moore will be back again for another season in 2026.
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Instead of declaring for the NFL draft, Moore stated that he wanted to run it back in Eugene one more time, giving Oregon the finishing touches for what can confidently be described as one of, if not the best, quarterback rooms in the nation.
While a couple of transfer portal departures changed things over the past week, Oregon also went out and grabbed a former 5-star and two-year starter in Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, who will now sit behind Moore and develop, much like Moore did with Gabriel a year ago.
While there are still several offseason months ahead of us, with spring ball acting as a reprieve in the middle of the calendar, let’s dive into Oregon’s QB room and see how things are laid out for the coming season, looking at who is leaving, who is coming back, and what guys are coming into the program as well.
Returning Players
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore walks off the field as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
QB Dante Moore
Career Stats: 29 games — 417-for-633, 5,224 yards, 41 TD, 19 INT
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Dante Moore was undoubtedly viewed as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation this year and would have been a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL draft had he declared. Instead, he opted to come back for one more year at Oregon, and will now be viewed as a likely top-10 pick in next year’s draft, while among the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Though his talent is up there with the best, it is widely agreed upon that Moore needs more experience before making the jump to the NFL level. With just 20 starts under his belt, Moore will get that valuable experience this upcoming year in Eugene, which is anticipated to be a special one.
QB Akili Smith Jr.
Career Stats: None
As a true freshman, Akili Smith Jr. did not see the field in Eugene, but he does have an intriguing upside, with a massive frame some ideal QB tools, like a strong arm and the ability to keep plays alive. Smith Jr. has a family legacy to keep alive in Eugene, with his father, Akili Smith, standing as an Oregon legend, but with the transfer portal movement this offseason, it may be tougher for Smith Jr. to realize those dreams in Eugene.
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QB Brock Thomas
Career Stats: 9 games — 12-for-16, 130 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
The surprise QB of the season was Brock Thomas, a former walk-on player from Sheldon High School who stepped in as the backup throughout the year, either when Dante Moore was hurt or in blowout situations. He played well, completing some nice passes and showcasing an understanding of the system in Eugene.
Player Departures
EUGENE, OREGON – APRIL 26: Austin Novosad #16 of the Oregon Ducks looks to throw during the Oregon spring game at Autzen Stadium on April 26, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
QB Austin Novosad
Career Stats: 7 games — 12-for-15, 99 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
After spending three seasons in Eugene, it’s no shock that Novosad is entering the portal and looking for a place to see the field for his final two years of eligibility. As a former 4-star recruit, Novosad has the tools to plat at the Power 4 level, but he simply never got the opportunity at Oregon, sitting behind Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, and Dante Moore.
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QB Luke Moga
Career Stats: 3 games — 3-for-5, 58 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Moga was an intriguing prospect for the Ducks, thanks to his elite speed and mobility, but he suffered a similar fate as Novosad, simply being passed over on the depth chart by numerous starters ahead of him. It will be interesting to see where he lands, because he has unique tools and capabilities at the QB spot, and could be a dynamic player at a slightly lower level.
QB Bryson Beaver (Recruit)
Recruiting Ranking: 4-star, No. 174 players, No. 12 QB
Bryson Beaver originally came to Eugene as a fast-rising QB prospect who made waves on the camp circuit this past summer, skyrocketing up the recruiting boards. He has a dynamic arm and good size for a QB, but after the announcement that Moore was coming back, and the addition of Dylan Raiola, he opted to enter the transfer portal.
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Incoming Players
Sep 6, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) passes against the Akron Zips during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
QB Dylan Raiola (Transfer)
Career Stats: 22 games — 456-for-660, 4,819 yards, 13 TD, 17 INT
After two years of average QB play at Nebraska, Raiola made the mature decision to come to Oregon and sit for a year, opting to develop and rehab from a broken fibula injury, rather than find a lower-level program to start at in 2026. With this in mind, the former 5-star QB is expected to be the starter for the Ducks in 2027, which gives Oregon an elite succession plan for Moore, much like Moore was the succession plan for Dillon Gabriel.
Transfer Portal Needs
Ducks Wire Graphics
With Dante Moore back in the picture, the Ducks no longer have a need in the portal at the quarterback position. They got Raiola, who will now take over as the successor for Moore in 2027, and they should be pretty well set at this position for the next couple of years, at least.
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Overall Position Outlook
Oregon Ducks dominate the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 69-3, at Autzen Stadium. (General)
As has typically been the case, the QB outlook for the Oregon Ducks is strong. They project to have one of the best passers in the nation this year, and then have another elite player waiting in the wings. That takes care of both 2026 and 2027. Looking out further into the future, you also have guys like Akili Smith Jr. and incoming freshman Bryson Beaver who will work their way into the mix as well.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Previewing Oregon Ducks QB spot ahead of 2026 offseason