Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced on Wednesday that he will return to the Ducks for the 2026 season. He made the call on ESPN's SportsCenter, passing up a spot as a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The decision came on the deadline for underclassmen not in the College Football Playoff title game to declare. Moore, who grew up in Detroit and starred at Martin Luther King High School, now sets his sights on another year in Eugene.
Background
Dante Moore entered college football as one of the top recruits in the country. In the class of 2023, he ranked as the third-best player overall and the second-best quarterback. Schools like UCLA won out at first, and he signed there. As a true freshman, Moore saw action in nine games for the Bruins. He showed flashes but dealt with ups and downs as the team struggled.
After that first year, Moore transferred to Oregon in December 2023. He sat behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, learning the system. Then, in 2025, Moore took over as the full-time starter. He threw for 3,565 yards, hit 30 touchdowns, and completed 71.8% of his passes. He added two rushing scores too. Those numbers came over 20 starts total in college, including his UCLA time.
The Ducks had a strong run under Moore. They won 13 games, beat James Madison and Texas Tech in the playoff, and reached the semifinals. There, Indiana handed them a 56-22 loss. Moore struggled in that game. He threw a pick-six on the first play, lost two fumbles, and went 24 of 39 passing. Still, his season put him near the top of NFL draft boards, often ranked No. 2 behind Indiana's Fernando Mendoza.
Moore kept his plans close to the vest right up to the deadline. Even Oregon coaches did not know for sure until the end. He talked it over with coach Dan Lanning and his family before deciding to stay.
Key Details
Moore's stats tell part of the story. In his two years at Oregon, he completed 72.1% of his passes for 3,614 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 picks. Scouts like his size, accuracy, and how he runs an offense. But he has just 20 starts as a starter, under the 25 that many NFL teams prefer for day-one guys.
By staying, Moore gives up big money. Top picks like last year's No. 2, Travis Hunter, got nearly $50 million guaranteed. That figure could rise for 2026. Teams like the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders eyed him high in mocks. The Jets held the No. 2 spot, and fans there felt the sting of his return.
Oregon builds around him now. Key defensive linemen like Bear Alexander, A'Mauri Washington, Matayo Uiagalelei, and Teitum Tuioti all came back. Offensive lineman Iapani Laloulu returns too. Young receivers and running backs form a solid core. The Ducks also grabbed Dylan Raiola from Nebraska in the transfer portal. Raiola can back up Moore in 2026 and take over in 2027.
New offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, promoted from tight ends coach, will work with Moore. The team kept its nucleus intact, making Oregon a favorite for the 2026 title.
Moore's Path to Oregon
From Detroit, Moore picked UCLA over many offers. His freshman year gave him starts but no wins. The transfer to Oregon changed everything. Under Lanning, he grew into a leader. His 2025 breakout made him a Heisman contender and draft star. Staying lets him chase a national title and boost his stock for 2027, when the quarterback class might not be as deep.
"I'm coming back to finish what we started. We've got the pieces to win it all." – Dante Moore on SportsCenter
What This Means
Oregon looks stronger for 2026. With Moore at the helm, they aim for another playoff run and maybe the first national championship in program history. Fans see a real shot now that so many starters stayed. Raiola learns behind him, setting up a smooth handoff later.
For the NFL, Moore's choice shifts the board. Teams needing quarterbacks turn elsewhere. Mendoza from Indiana stays the top guy. Others like Ty Simpson or Trinidad Chambliss might rise. The Jets and Raiders adjust plans, maybe trading down or eyeing non-QB talent.
Moore gets more starts, fixes his semifinal mistakes, and builds experience. Past players like Andrew Luck and Matt Leinart made similar calls and thrived. His return keeps Ducks dreams alive while he preps for a bigger pro future. College football keeps one of its best for another year, and Eugene stays electric.
