Oregon Ducks quarterback Dylan Raiola has made a change after transferring from Nebraska.
The Oregon Ducks are getting a first look at quarterback Dylan Raiola at spring football practices. The transfer from the Nebraska Cornhuskers has a fresh start in Eugene and he appears to be taking full advantage of it as he makes a big change when it comes to his jersey number.
At Nebraska, Raiola grabbed headlines for comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As a five-star recruit, Raiola developed a reputation in high school for making off platform throws and using different arm angles, something Mahomes is famous for. Raiola's improvisational ability drew some analysts to draw the stylistic connection to Mahomes. Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola walks into the facilities before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Raiola opted for a similar haircut, wore a headband during games and even emulated Mahomes' well-known warm up routine. He fully embraced the connection as he worked out with some of Mahomes' trainers. Maybe most notable - he wore jersey number 15 - the same as Mahomes. Now at Oregon, Raiola has changed his jersey number from No. 15 to No. 8. A jersey number change for a high-profile quarterback is rarely random. The change is notable for two reasons. First of all, by switching to No. 8 at Oregon, Raiola may be signaling a subtle shift. Instead of mirroring Mahomes down to the jersey number, the change suggests he could be establishing his own identity as he begins the next chapter of his career. While Mahomes-style play is electric, even Nebraska coach Matt Rhule opened up on how he's like to see less Mahomes-type plays from Raiola. "I don’t want you to see him running around and throwing the ball behind his back. He can do all that stuff, but I want him just to play quarterback. I think he’s so under-appreciated nationally," Rhule said on the Pat McAfee Show last season. “He’s doing everything you’re going to do on Sundays. I think he’s one of the best players in the country… Last year, early on, he had some plays where he ran around and made some crazy throws. Some throws where you’re like, ‘No, no, no, oh, yes!’ That was kind of the storyline, like look at these exotic plays, but now, it’s like, he’s playing quarterback the way you need to play it,” Rhule continued. Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesMarcus Mariota wore No. 8 when he starred at Oregon and became the first Duck to win the Heisman Trophy in 2014 as he led the Ducks to the 2015 National Championship game. Mariota's No. 8 jersey is still often seen worn by fans at Autzen Stadium and holds deep meaning, representing the eight main islands of Hawaii where he was born and raised. It was most recently worn by Dillon Gabriel during the 2024 season, after Gabriel got permission from Mariota to don the number. Gabriel helped the team go undefeated in the regular season and win the Big Ten Conference Championship, while also finishing the season as a Heisman Trophy finalist.Oct 25, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola arrives before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Oregon coach Dan Lanning said Raiola was able to practice with the Ducks during their first spring workout, though Oregon plans to be careful with his recovery. Raiola suffered a broken fibula after being sacked in the third quarter against USC on Nov. 1 and later underwent successful surgery. “He's working. He was able to practice with us today,” Lanning said. “We're being conscientious of where he's at as he comes back, but he's pushing, and it's new for him. He's coming to a new system, but he's learning it well. He's definitely a cerebral player that can make the throws. So very excited about where he's at and where he's continued to grow.” Raiola’s early participation is an encouraging sign for Oregon’s quarterback depth. Being able to return to practice this soon suggests his recovery is progressing well. Oregon’s annual spring football game is set for April 25. Ducks fans hope the Raiola will be ready for action but backup quarterbacks Brock Thomas and Akili Smith Jr. should also get an opportunity to play with the offense. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore walks the field after the Ducks’ loss as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The 6-foot-3, 230-pound quarterback is expected by many to redshirt the 2026 season, with 2025 starting quarterback Dante Moore returning instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. Raiola started in his two seasons with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, totaling over 2,000 yards in each season. He finished with a combined total of 31 touchdowns in those two years. If Raiola does end up redshirting in 2026, that allows him the opportunity to build chemistry with his teammates before earning a potential starting role, with two full seasons of eligibility left. It'd be a great succession plan for the Ducks ... and continue the tradition of the No. 8 wearing quarterback.Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oregon, USC Recruiting Battle for Five-Star Honor Fa'alave-Johnson Nears EndHow to watch five-star safety recruit Honor Fa'alave-Johnson announce his commitment.
Read more »
Wind gusts among strongest on record batter Midwest, fuel deadly Nebraska firesPowerful winds left nearly 450,000 without power and fueled deadly Nebraska wildfires, as a triple-threat storm battered much of the U.S.
Read more »
Oregon Ducks Quickly Make Major Move for Elite Ole Miss Football Offensive TargetDan Lanning and the Ducks are swinging for the fences in the 2027 Recruiting Cycle, eyeing one of the Rebels' top targets.
Read more »
Nebraska Wildfires Turn Deadly as Magnitude Overwhelms FirefightersThe wildfires threatened multiple communities, forced evacuations, and damaged rangeland and infrastructure across at least seven counties.
Read more »
High winds cause power outages in Rust Belt, fuel fires in NebraskaPowerful winds and extreme weather are knocking out power, damaging property and fueling wildfires across parts of the United States. Frigid temperatures and snow return to Midwest, and rain pummels Hawaii.
Read more »
Nebraska Softball Passes Depth Test in Series Sweep of MichiganNebraska softball relied on its depth throughout the weekend to complete a Big Ten series sweep over Michigan.
Read more »