The Quarterback Carousel Begins
The 2026 transfer portal class is shaping up to be historic, especially at the quarterback position. We've already seen several high-profile passers making moves, including Drew Mestemaker transferring to Oklahoma State and DJ Lagway from Florida opting to join Baylor. But it's Dylan Raiola, the former Nebraska star, who's drawing the most attention.
High Stakes for Raiola
Since entering the transfer portal, Raiola has been tight-lipped about his preferences, leading many to speculate about his next steps. For context, the buzz around Raiola stems from his elite talents as a five-star prospect and his previous success as a starter for the Cornhuskers.
“The former five-star recruit arrived on his official visit to Oregon on Saturday night, sources tell On3.”
Current Transfer Landscape
Alongside Raiola, top talents like USC's Husan Longstreet and Missouri's Beau Pribula are also eyeing their next landing spots. Raiola has reportedly indicated interest in Oregon, despite the presence of current Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, who has plenty of NFL interest lining up behind him.
- Drew Mestemaker → Oklahoma State
- Brendan Sorsby → Texas Tech
- Byrum Brown → Auburn
- DJ Lagway → Baylor
- Kenny Minchey → Kentucky
Strategic Moves Ahead
If Moore opts to enter the NFL draft, Raiola could immediately take on the starting role—a position that could lead him to national prominence. However, if Moore returns, could Raiola be willing to redshirt while developing in a high-pressure environment? This strategy appears similar to how Moore himself managed his transition into collegiate football, benefiting from an experience that could serve Raiola well.
“If Moore decides to return to school, Raiola could redshirt a season and be in line to start in 2027. It's a similar model to what Moore did, sitting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024.”
Family Matters
A significant aspect of Raiola's potential decision is whether his younger brother, Dayton, will also follow him to Oregon. This could add another layer of complexity to Dylan's choice as familial ties often play an essential role in these transitions.
A Look Ahead
As schools like Oregon position themselves, Raiola's choice could not only shape his career but the future of college football dynamics, especially in a year stacked with quarterback talent. Imagine a recruit of Raiola's caliber joining a Ducks roster that already has sights set on a national championship.
The college football landscape is as unpredictable as it is competitive, and Dylan Raiola's next move is one that every fan and scout will analyze down to the last detail. With so much at stake, Raiola's decision will make waves far beyond just his playing career; it may set the tone for future recruiting classes and transfer portal activity in years to come.
Source reference: https://www.newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/dylan-raiola-could-make-shocking-transfer-portal-decision-report-11342236
