Oregon announced that quarterbacks Dante Moore and transfer Dylan Raiola are building a working relationship as the Ducks prepare for their second Big Ten season under coach Dan Lanning.
The Ducks lost 56-22 to Indiana in the Peach Bowl during this past season’s College Football Playoff run.
Raiola transferred to Eugene after leaving Nebraska. Moore told On3 that Raiola has started adapting to the program’s culture.
“More of it was, with Dylan coming in and kind of playing the role like Dillon Gabriel did for me when I first came in,” Moore said. “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.”
Moore praised Raiola’s approach despite mixed reactions from fans on social media.
“He’s a great guy,” Moore said. “He has great energy, a great dude to be around. I’m excited for this future.”
The quarterbacks have had conversations about football and life off the field. Moore said those discussions have helped build trust in the quarterback room.
“Of course, Dylan Raiola, when he came in, he talked to me,” Moore said. “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.”
Moore said he doesn’t view their relationship as competition. Instead, he wants both quarterbacks to support each other’s development.
“It won’t be more of a big-bro, little-bro,” Moore said. “It’ll be more of a, that’s my teammate and we’re trying to get each other better.”
Oregon’s Big Ten schedule includes hosting Nebraska at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17.
That game could feature Raiola playing against his former team.
The matchup adds another storyline to Oregon’s conference schedule as the season approaches.
