Tortoise Takes Over QB Room: Dante Moore’s Shelled Sidekick
Dante Moore, Oregon’s star quarterback, skipped the 2026 NFL draft and returned to Eugene—bringing along a pet tortoise as the new mascot for the Ducks’ quarterback room. In the latest “Meet the Flock” episode, Moore unveiled Rex, a tortoise gifted to bring life and a few smiles to spring practices. Teammate Ryder Hayes explained how Rex was found hibernating in Moore’s car and noted that, like the QB room, Rex loves a hot tub soak. The segment also introduced freshman Akili Smith Jr. and coach Koa Ka’ai, giving fans a peek at the Ducks’ relaxed behind-the-scenes moments.
Finally, a team mascot that literally goes nowhere! Moore’s genius move to recruit a tortoise proves that athletic inspiration can come at a glacial pace. You can practically hear Rex’s motivational speech: “Slow down, digest your playbook, and yawn often.” Meanwhile, the rest of the Ducks must scramble to keep up with a creature whose only real skill is napping. But hey, at least no one will steal the tortoise’s helmet during practice—hard to misplace a shell. Move over, live ducks; the real MVP is Rex, the hibernating hot-tuber!
Number 8 Worship: Dylan Raiola Seeks Heisman Blessing
Oregon’s new transfer QB Dylan Raiola revealed he personally called Heisman winner Marcus Mariota and fellow Duck Dillon Gabriel to ask permission to wear the revered No. 8 jersey. Raiola, who hails from Hawaii like Mariota, wanted the symbolic number associated with Oregon legends. In an episode of “Meet the Flock,” he explained that he first checked in with Gabriel, then reached out to Mariota—and was honored with their blessing. Mariota, the Ducks’ only Heisman recipient, set a high standard for those donning the No. 8, and Raiola hopes to uphold the legacy.
Because nothing says “team bonding” like phoning a future Hall of Famer to beg for shirt privileges. Raiola’s reverence for No. 8 is so intense you’d think the jersey now comes with its own oxygen tank and shield. Next up: dressing in ceremonial robes, offering sacrifices of spare footballs, and singing the Oregon fight song in ancient Hawaiian chant. If Raiola’s quest doesn’t result in a national championship, maybe the Ducks should retire the number again—until the phone rings and another transfer QB begs for a number that’s more myth than fabric.
Leave a Reply