newsweek
Oregon orchestrated a stunning 17-14 comeback against Nebraska on Saturday night, with former Huskers quarterback Dylan Raiola delivering the decisive blow against his former program. The Ducks had trailed 14-6 entering the fourth quarter before Raiola entered the game and sparked the turnaround.
After a field goal trimmed Nebraska's advantage to 14-9, Raiola guided a methodical 20-play, 82-yard drive in the closing minutes. With just 28 seconds remaining, he found tight end Jamari Johnson for a four-yard touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave Oregon a three-point lead, which the Ducks held to secure the win.
The victory was critical for Oregon, which was coming off a frustrating loss to UCLA. The Ducks improved to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska fell to 5-2 after suffering its second straight loss, following last week's collapse against Indiana.
Speaking on the field after the game, Raiola reflected on facing and defeating his former team. "I love Nebraska. That's my home. My first two years were home. I love the fans, I love everybody there. But it was about Oregon tonight. We went out there and did what we needed to do," Raiola said. "I didn't draw it up like that, but God has a perfect plan."
Raiola spent his first two college football seasons at Nebraska, becoming the Huskers' starting quarterback as a true freshman in 2024. He threw for 2,819 yards and 13 touchdowns that season, setting the program record for passing yards by a freshman. He followed that with 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in nine games in 2025 before a season-ending injury against USC. After the season, he transferred to Oregon and entered the 2026 campaign as the backup to Dante Moore.
Saturday's win was particularly sweet for Raiola, who had been benched during Oregon's loss to UCLA last week. His game-winning drive gave the Ducks much-needed momentum as they head into the back half of the season with Moore still recovering from a concussion.
Key Analysis
At 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play, Oregon remains in the College Football Playoff hunt but cannot afford any more losses. The Ducks will travel to Illinois next before hosting Northwestern and visiting Ohio State. They close the season against Michigan, at Michigan State, and against Washington.
Nebraska, meanwhile, must find a way to stabilize after two brutal losses in consecutive weeks. The Huskers next face Washington before games at Illinois and Rutgers, and they close out against Ohio State and Iowa. It's a daunting stretch for a team that also can't afford any more setbacks.
Originally reported by newsweek.