Dylan Raiola came off the bench to throw a 4 yard touchdown pass to tight end Jamari Johnson with 28 seconds left, lifting Oregon to a 17 14 comeback win over Nebraska at Autzen Stadium on Saturday night, Oct. 17, 2026. The former five star recruit, benched one week earlier after a rough outing against UCLA, engineered a 10 point fourth quarter to complete a rally that felt improbable for most of the night.
The win moves Oregon to 4 2 overall and 2 1 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska falls to 5 2 and 2 2 in the conference. According to Yahoo Sports, the game was a defensive struggle for three quarters, with punts outnumbering points until the fourth quarter fireworks.
How the Fourth Quarter Comeback Unfolded
Raiola entered the game to start the fourth quarter with Oregon trailing 14 6, replacing walk on starter Brock Thomas, who struggled through three quarters. According to USA Today, Thomas completed just 9 of 20 passes for 54 yards and one interception before the switch.
The freshman quarterback immediately changed the tone. Oregon's offense, which had mustered almost nothing all night, suddenly moved the ball with a mix of effective runs and easy completions. The Register Guard reported that Raiola orchestrated the 10 point fourth quarter, capping the drive with the late strike to Johnson.
Before the winning score, Oregon converted a fourth and 3 on a pass over the middle to true freshman Jalen Lott, then picked up a fourth and 1 on a wildcat play to set up first and goal from the 4. Two plays later, Raiola found Johnson in the back of the end zone for the winning points.
Nebraska Controlled the Game for Three Quarters
The Cornhuskers led 7 0 at halftime after a disputed touchdown catch near the end of the second quarter. Replay officials upheld the call on the field after determining there was no conclusive evidence that the receiver failed to get a foot in bounds.
Nebraska extended the lead to 14 6 in the third quarter after an Oregon interception gave the Huskers a short field. According to USA Today, quarterback Harrison Colandrea scrambled for a touchdown on the ensuing drive, which included a conversion on third and 15.
Nebraska's defense bottled up Oregon's running game for most of the night, and the Ducks finished with 129 yards on 38 carries. The Huskers appeared to be in control, holding Oregon to two Gage Hurych field goals through three quarters.
Special Teams Miscue Nearly Cost the Huskers
Nebraska's punter gave Oregon a gift in the third quarter when his knee touched the ground while fielding a low snap, turning the ball over to the Ducks in prime field position. Oregon managed only two yards on the ensuing possession but Hurych connected on a 36 yard field goal to get the Ducks on the board.
USA Today reported that Dakorien Moore later added a 22 yard catch to help set up another Hurych field goal, pulling Oregon within one at 7 6 before the interception swung momentum back to Nebraska.
What the Win Means for Oregon and the Big Ten Race
The victory keeps Oregon in the hunt in a crowded Big Ten race, one week after a disappointing loss to UCLA that raised questions about the quarterback position and an offensive line that has shuffled through multiple combinations this season.
The Ducks host their next games with renewed confidence, knowing they can win tight, low scoring defensive battles even when the offense sputters. The defense, which forced repeated three and outs throughout the night, kept Oregon within striking distance until Raiola delivered the late heroics.
For Nebraska, the loss stings after leading for most of the game. The Cornhuskers drop behind in the Big Ten West standings and face questions about closing out road games against quality opponents.
Week 7 brought chaos across the Top 25, and the Iowa Hawkeyes held steady at No. 15 amid the shakeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Oregon vs Nebraska game?
Oregon defeated Nebraska 17 14 on Oct. 17, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Who threw the game winning touchdown for Oregon?
Dylan Raiola threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to tight end Jamari Johnson with 28 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Why was Dylan Raiola benched the week before?
Raiola was benched during Oregon's loss to UCLA the previous week, which prompted the coaching staff to start Brock Thomas against Nebraska.
What is Oregon's record after beating Nebraska?
Oregon improved to 4 2 overall and 2 1 in Big Ten conference play with the victory.