At a Glance
- Dante Moore will skip the 2026 NFL Draft and remain at Oregon
- The 20-year-old quarterback was projected as a top-10 selection
- Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 32 touchdowns this season
- Why it matters: His return sets up Oregon as an early 2026 title favorite
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced Wednesday that he will forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and return to the Ducks for another collegiate season, shaking up both the draft board and the 2026 college football landscape.
Moore, a redshirt sophomore, had been widely projected as a top-10 pick after guiding Oregon to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff berth. His decision arrives two days after Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola pledged to join the program, creating a high-profile quarterback room in Eugene.
A Season of Firsts
In his debut campaign as Oregon’s full-time starter, Moore completed 3,565 passing yards and accounted for 32 total touchdowns against 10 interceptions. The 6-foot-2 signal-caller led the Ducks to five wins over ranked opponents and the program’s first playoff victory since 2014.
Oregon’s run ended with a 42-31 loss to eventual national finalist Indiana in the Peach Bowl, but Moore’s performance solidified his reputation as one of the nation’s most efficient passers. He set single-season school records for completion percentage (68.9) and passer rating (186.4) while orchestrating an offense that averaged 41.2 points per game.
Draft Implications
By staying in school, Moore removes the consensus top quarterback from a 2026 class already thin on elite prospects. League sources told News Of Fort Worth that several teams picking in the top 10-including the Jets (No. 2), Cardinals (No. 3), and Browns (No. 6)-had conducted extensive background work on Moore and viewed him as a potential franchise cornerstone.
NFL scouting departments now pivot to the next tier of passers, a group headlined by North Carolina’s T.J. McGill and Miami’s Jacolby Criswell. One NFC personnel director, speaking on condition of anonymity, called Moore’s choice “a reminder that the college landscape is changing faster than we can model.”
Transfer Portal Ripple
Moore’s announcement landed 48 hours after Raiola, a former five-star recruit, committed to Oregon via the transfer portal. Raiola started 23 games at Nebraska, throwing for 5,214 yards and 34 touchdowns across two seasons. He is immediately eligible and will enter spring practice as Moore’s backup.
Coach Dan Lanning praised both quarterbacks in a statement released by the university.
“Dante’s choice shows his commitment to this program and to unfinished business,” Lanning said. “Dylan’s addition gives us experienced depth at the most important position. Competition will make everyone better.”
Raiola, the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2023 class, downplayed any potential friction, telling reporters he “came to Oregon to win championships and learn from one of the best.”
What’s Next for Oregon
With Moore under center, the Ducks will return 10 offensive starters from a unit that ranked top-five nationally in total yards per game (512). The schedule sets up favorably: Oregon avoids Indiana in the regular season and hosts both Michigan and Washington at Autzen Stadium.
Key returning pieces include:
- Running back Jordan James, who rushed for 1,247 yards and 15 touchdowns
- Tight end Terrance Ferguson, a Mackey Award finalist with 78 career receptions
- Left tackle Ajani Cornelius, a projected 2027 first-round pick
The defense loses only three starters, headlined by first-team All-American cornerback Jabbar Muhammad. Defensive coordinator Tosh Schiano’s group finished 2025 ranked seventh in scoring defense (16.8 points per game) and returns its top four tacklers.
Financial Considerations
While Moore’s on-field production drove his draft stock, off-field earning potential also factored into his decision. Recent NCAA rule changes allow players to sign multi-year endorsement agreements while retaining college eligibility. Industry insiders estimate Moore could command $2.5-3 million annually in name, image, and likeness deals by staying another year.
Derrick M. Collins reported that Moore already holds partnerships with Nike, Gatorade, and a regional automotive chain. A longer collegiate runway could expand his portfolio into national campaigns, mirroring the path of former USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Reaction Across the Sport
Moore’s move drew immediate reaction from players, coaches, and analysts. Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, whose team defeated Oregon twice this season, called Moore “a warrior” and said the Big Ten “just got tougher.”
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton posted on social media that Moore is “betting on himself the right way-refining the craft before cashing the check.”
In Las Vegas, oddsmakers shifted Oregon’s 2026 national title odds from 12-1 to 7-1 within hours of the announcement. The Ducks are now the second betting choice behind defending champion Georgia.
Key Takeaways
- Dante Moore’s return vaults Oregon into the 2026 championship conversation
- NFL teams lose a potential franchise quarterback, reshaping the draft’s top 10
- Dylan Raiola’s arrival creates unprecedented depth at quarterback for the Ducks
- Moore could earn up to $3 million in endorsements while pursuing a college title
