Dante Moore, the highly touted Oregon Ducks quarterback, has officially announced his decision to forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and return to the University of Oregon for his junior season. The announcement, made on Wednesday, January 14th, via ESPN's SportsCenter, has sent ripples throughout the college football and NFL communities.
Moore, a 20-year-old redshirt sophomore, is coming off a stellar season where he led the Ducks to a 13-2 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He completed nearly 72% of his passes for 3,565 yards, throwing 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Moore also added 156 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Despite a disappointing performance in the CFP semifinal loss to Indiana, where the Ducks fell 56-22, Moore was still projected to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. even ranked him as the No. 2 overall prospect, only behind Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
In his announcement, Moore stated his desire to be "most prepared" for the NFL and felt that another year at Oregon would be beneficial for his development, particularly in leadership and on-field processing. He also expressed a strong desire to help the Ducks achieve their ultimate goal of winning a national championship. “Even this year, I had many great throws, many great plays, but at the end of the day, I feel like I could still learn so much more,” Moore said. “Of course, as a kid, since four years old, I've dreamed about being in the NFL. But, of course this team, we've been through a lot, and a lot of people are returning, so I feel like we've got exciting things coming this year, and I'm excited to keep pushing my team.”
Moore's decision has significant implications for the upcoming NFL Draft. With Moore out of the picture, Mendoza is now the clear frontrunner to be the first quarterback selected, potentially by the Las Vegas Raiders who are in desperate need of a long-term solution at the position. Other teams like the New York Jets, who were also considered potential destinations for Moore, will now have to re-evaluate their quarterback options.
Prior to joining Oregon, Moore had a brief stint with UCLA, playing nine games as a freshman in 2023. He then transferred to Oregon, redshirting in 2024 and serving as a backup to Dillon Gabriel before taking over the starting role this past season. With Gabriel's departure for the NFL, Moore seized the opportunity and showcased his immense talent, solidifying his status as one of the nation's top quarterbacks.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning expressed his support for Moore's return, stating that Moore has been "exceptional" throughout the season. Lanning believes that Moore's experiences, both positive and negative, will contribute to his growth and development as a player and leader. The Ducks' coaching staff is undoubtedly thrilled to have Moore back in the fold as they aim to build upon their successful 2025 season and contend for a national title in 2026.
Moore's return also comes after former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola announced he would be transferring to Oregon.
As Dante Moore sets his sights on the 2026 season with the Oregon Ducks, the college football world eagerly anticipates witnessing his continued growth and leadership on the field. His decision to delay his NFL aspirations underscores his commitment to his team and his unwavering pursuit of a national championship.
