Oregon Quarterback Dylan Raiola Makes Notable Number Change After Nebraska Exit

The transfer QB has switched from No. 15 to No. 8, a jersey with deep meaning for Oregon quarterbacks.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:35pm

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Oregon Ducks quarterback Dylan Raiola, a transfer from Nebraska, has made a notable change to his jersey number, switching from No. 15 to No. 8. This change may signal a shift away from drawing comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, whose number Raiola previously wore. The No. 8 jersey holds significance for Oregon, having been worn by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota and most recently by Dillon Gabriel. Raiola, who is recovering from a broken fibula, is expected to potentially redshirt the 2026 season to build chemistry with his new teammates.

Why it matters

Raiola's number change from 15 to 8 suggests he may be looking to establish his own identity at Oregon, rather than continuing to emulate Patrick Mahomes' playing style. The No. 8 jersey has deep meaning for Oregon quarterbacks, having been worn by Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota and recent standout Dillon Gabriel. Raiola's transition to Oregon and potential redshirt year could set him up for long-term success with the Ducks.

The details

At Nebraska, Raiola drew comparisons to Mahomes for his improvisational style and use of different arm angles. He even wore the same No. 15 jersey as Mahomes. However, Oregon coach Dan Lanning has indicated he'd like to see Raiola focus more on traditional quarterback play. By switching to No. 8, Raiola may be signaling a shift away from the Mahomes comparisons. The No. 8 jersey has been worn by Oregon greats Mariota and Gabriel, both of whom also hail from Hawaii like Raiola. Raiola is currently recovering from a broken fibula suffered late last season but has been able to participate in spring practices.

  • Raiola suffered a broken fibula after being sacked in the third quarter against USC on Nov. 1, 2025.
  • Raiola was able to practice with the Ducks during their first spring workout in 2026.
  • Oregon's annual spring football game is set for April 25, 2026.

The players

Dylan Raiola

A transfer quarterback from the Nebraska Cornhuskers who is now joining the Oregon Ducks and has made a notable change to his jersey number.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, whose playing style Raiola had previously emulated, including wearing the same jersey number.

Marcus Mariota

The only Heisman Trophy winner in Oregon history, who wore the No. 8 jersey that Raiola has now adopted.

Dillon Gabriel

The most recent Oregon quarterback to wear the No. 8 jersey, which he did with permission from Mariota.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who has indicated he'd like to see Raiola focus more on traditional quarterback play rather than improvisational Mahomes-style plays.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Matt Rhule, Former Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach

“He's working. He was able to practice with us today. 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.”

— Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks head coach

What’s next

Oregon's annual spring football game is set for April 25, 2026, where fans will get their first look at Raiola in an Oregon uniform as he continues his recovery from injury.

The takeaway

Raiola's number change from 15 to 8 signals a potential shift away from the Mahomes comparisons as he looks to establish his own identity at Oregon. The No. 8 jersey holds deep meaning for the Ducks, and Raiola's transition to the program, including a potential redshirt year, could set him up for long-term success in Eugene.