Dyan Raiola and Marcus Mariota (Image Credits: Imagn)

Dan Lanning Drops Major Dylan Raiola Update After Oregon QB Chooses Marcus Mariota’s Iconic Number

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Sarthak Khanna | Last updated Mar 13, 2026 8:47 AM ET

The Oregon Ducks fans have received an encouraging update regarding their quarterback room. Head coach Dan Lanning revealed that backup quarterback Dylan Raiola participated in practice on opening day.

Former Cornhuskers star’s return to the practice field comes after a difficult end to his previous season. He suffered a broken right fibula while playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. The injury raised concerns about his recovery timeline. It also led fans to wonder how quickly he would be able to resume football activities.

However, Lanning’s latest update suggests the young quarterback is progressing well in his rehabilitation. According to the Oregon head coach, Raiola participated in drills on the first day of spring practice. It signaled that his recovery is ahead of schedule and that he is already getting comfortable in the Ducks’ system.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by College Football (@cfbalerts)

Beyond the encouraging health update, Raiola has also made headlines for his jersey choice with Oregon. The quarterback will wear No. 8. This is the same number once worn by former Ducks legend and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota.

Mariota remains one of the most iconic figures in Oregon football history after leading the program to a College Football Playoff appearance and winning the Heisman Trophy in 2014. Raiola adopting the same number has quickly caught the attention of fans. Many of them see the move as a symbolic nod to one of the program’s greatest quarterbacks.

Dylan Raiola Begins New Oregon Chapter After Injury Setback

Dylan Raiola (Image Credits: Imagn)

While Raiola is expected to begin his time at Oregon as a backup quarterback, his presence still adds intriguing depth to Lanning’s roster heading into the 2026 season. The former five-star prospect arrived in Eugene with his brother, Dayton Raiola.

His recovery from the fibula injury will remain a key storyline throughout spring practices, but the early signs appear promising. Being able to practice from day one indicates that Raiola is close to full health and could be ready to contribute if called upon during the season.

Having a talented quarterback like Raiola available only strengthens the team’s overall depth and competition at the position. Spring football will provide him valuable time to learn the offense and continue regaining full confidence after his injury.

As Oregon prepares for the upcoming campaign, Raiola’s recovery and development could quietly become one of the more interesting storylines within the program. Wearing Mariota’s iconic No. 8 jersey will naturally bring added attention, but the young quarterback’s focus will likely remain on proving he can carve out his own path in Eugene.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: