Dante Moore Returning to Oregon, Will Pass on 2026 NFL Draft

#Dante Moore Returning to Oregon, Will Pass on 2026 NFL Draft

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has decided to delay his jump to the NFL, choosing instead to return to college football for another season with the Ducks.

Moore announced Wednesday that he will remain at Oregon for the 2026 season, confirming the decision during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter. The move keeps one of college football’s most intriguing young quarterbacks in Eugene for at least one more year.

Following the announcement, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning reacted on social media, keeping his message short and confident as the Ducks prepare to build around Moore once again.

With the decision, Moore will enter the 2026 season with two years of remaining college eligibility, giving him flexibility as he continues to develop at the collegiate level.

The former five-star recruit was eligible to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but returning to Oregon gives Moore an opportunity to further elevate his draft stock ahead of 2027. Another productive season as the Ducks’ starter could solidify him as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country.

Moore originally began his college career at UCLA in 2023 before transferring to Oregon. He spent the 2024 season redshirting while backing up quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who is now with the Cleveland Browns.

In his first year as Oregon’s full-time starter, Moore delivered an impressive breakout campaign. He completed 71.8 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 15 games. Moore also added value as a runner, recording 73 carries for 156 yards and two rushing touchdowns.

His performance helped guide Oregon to a deep postseason run, culminating in a berth in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Now, Moore will look to build on that momentum as he leads the Ducks into the 2026 season with expectations of an even deeper playoff push.

The timing of Moore’s decision is notable, coming shortly after quarterback Dylan Raiola announced his transfer to Oregon for 2026. Raiola could follow a similar developmental path, potentially redshirting while learning within the Ducks’ system.

From an NFL perspective, Moore’s return to college could have ripple effects across future draft boards. Quarterback-needy teams near the top of the draft may now have to adjust their long-term plans. In a recent mock draft, Bleacher Report projected Moore as the No. 2 overall pick to the New York Jets, a scenario that will now be pushed back at least one year.

For now, Oregon retains its cornerstone quarterback — and the Ducks remain firmly in the national title conversation.