At a Glance
- Dante Moore will skip the 2026 NFL Draft and return to Oregon for another college season
- The 20-year-old quarterback was projected as a top-10 pick after throwing for 3,565 yards and 32 touchdowns
- Moore’s decision follows the arrival of transfer Dylan Raiola, who is expected to be his backup
- Why it matters: A potential franchise quarterback staying in college reshapes both the upcoming draft and Oregon’s national-title hopes
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced Wednesday he will forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and return to the Ducks, a move that upends early draft projections and bolsters Oregon’s championship ambitions.
The redshirt sophomore, who led Oregon to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff berth in his first season as starter, confirmed his choice to stay in school after weeks of speculation about his professional future.
Moore’s Breakout Season
Moore totaled 3,565 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while guiding the Ducks to the No. 5 seed in the expanded College Football Playoff. The 20-year-old, who turns 21 in May, transferred to Oregon after spending his freshman season at UCLA and backing up Dillon Gabriel in 2024.
Oregon’s campaign featured marquee victories over:
- No. 12 James Madison in the first round
- No. 4 Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl
The Ducks’ only defeats came twice against eventual national finalist Indiana, including a Peach Bowl loss that ended their title hopes.
Draft Stock and Team Fits
Entering the offseason, Moore sat among the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 class. Analysts linked him to quarterback-needy franchises holding premium picks:
| Projected Draft Slot | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| No. 2 | New York Jets | TBD |
| No. 3 | Arizona Cardinals | TBD |
| No. 6 | Cleveland Browns | TBD |
Those projections evaporated with Moore’s announcement, forcing teams at the top of the draft to reassess their quarterback strategies.
Transfer Portal Ripple Effect
Moore’s return becomes even more notable following Oregon’s acquisition of former Nebraska starter Dylan Raiola earlier this week. Raiola started for the Cornhuskers the past two seasons but is now positioned to serve as Moore’s backup for the 2026 campaign.
The presence of two high-profile quarterbacks on the same depth chart sets up an intriguing competition, though Moore retains the edge after his playoff run and statistical output.
Impact on Oregon’s 2027 Outlook
With Moore back under center, Oregon immediately becomes a preseason favorite to contend for a national championship. The Ducks retain their offensive architect after averaging 274 passing yards per game and scoring 40.1 points per contest during the 2025-26 season.
Key offensive contributors are expected to return alongside Moore, positioning Oregon for another deep playoff push in the expanded 12-team format.
Reactions Around College Football
While Moore did not hold a formal press conference, his announcement circulated quickly across social media and college-football platforms. Coaches and teammates expressed excitement about the prospect of another season with the dynamic quarterback steering the offense.
What This Means for the 2026 NFL Draft
Moore’s withdrawal removes a potential franchise quarterback from the pool, increasing the value of remaining signal-callers and potentially altering draft-day trades. Teams picking in the top 10 may now pivot to alternative quarterback prospects or focus on premium positions such as edge rusher, offensive tackle and cornerback.
The Las Vegas Raiders, owners of the No. 1 overall selection after a 3-14 finish, retain flexibility but lose a possible headline-grabbing pick at quarterback.
Key Takeaways
- Dante Moore’s return marks the second consecutive year a marquee Oregon quarterback has bypassed the draft; Dillon Gabriel departed via the 2025 draft
- Oregon’s roster now features two former five-star quarterbacks, creating depth rarely seen at the college level
- NFL teams projected to pick early will recalibrate draft boards with Moore no longer available
- The Ducks strengthen their case as a 2027 national-title contender with a proven playoff quarterback back in the fold
Moore is scheduled to begin spring practices with Oregon in early April as the Ducks prepare to defend their Pac-12 crown and pursue a return to the College Football Playoff.
