Dante Moore will stay at Oregon for another season, bypassing the 2026 NFL Draft and shaking up the top of next April’s board.
The redshirt sophomore announced the move Wednesday, ending months of speculation that projected him as a lock for the top 10. His choice reverberates through both the college and pro landscapes: the Ducks keep a playoff-tested quarterback, while franchises picking early-including the Jets, Cardinals and Browns-must now look elsewhere for a franchise signal-caller.
At a Glance
- Dante Moore opts out of the 2026 draft and will play his third season at Oregon
- The 20-year-old finished 2025-26 with 32 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and 3,565 passing yards
- Former Nebraska starter Dylan Raiola committed to Oregon this week and is expected to back up Moore
Why it matters: A presumed top-10 pick staying in college reshuffles draft boards and keeps Oregon in national-title contention.
Playoff Run Sets Stage for Return
Moore’s first year as the full-time starter ended in the Peach Bowl against eventual national finalist Indiana. Operating offensive coordinator Will Stein’s up-tempo attack, he completed 66 percent of his throws and posted a 166.4 passer rating, the third-best mark in school history.
Oregon opened the postseason as the fifth seed, knocking off James Madison and Texas Tech before the rematch loss to Indiana. The Ducks’ only two defeats on the year came against the Hoosiers, underscoring how narrow the margin was between playoff exit and title shot.
Draft Stock Never Wavered
Despite starting just one season, Moore drew consistent praise from scouts for pocket patience, quick processing and arm strength capable of hitting deep comebacks from the opposite hash. Media mocks routinely slotted him behind only Indiana’s Trey Walker and ahead of North Carolina’s Kamari McCoy.
The New York Jets (No. 2), Arizona Cardinals (No. 3) and Cleveland Browns (No. 6) were viewed as logical landing spots, each holding veteran starters on expiring contracts. Moore’s announcement forces those clubs-and several QB-needy teams behind them-to pivot to next-tier prospects or explore the trade market.
Raiola Transfer Creates Depth Chart Intrigue
Hours before Moore’s reveal, four-star transfer Dylan Raiola pledged to Oregon after two up-and-down seasons at Nebraska. Raiola threw for 5,215 yards and 32 touchdowns with the Huskers but faced criticism over turnovers in key losses.
Coach Dan Lanning labeled the quarterback room “open competition” in his post-spring presser, yet program sources told News Of Los Angeles that Moore remains the clear-cut starter heading into fall camp. Raiola’s arrival does, however, give the staff a seasoned option should injury strike and provides Moore with an experienced backup who has logged 23 career starts.
Financial, Development Factors
Name, Image and Likeness opportunities played a role in Moore’s choice. Industry insiders estimate the Southern California native could earn between $3 million and $4 million in collectives and endorsements next season-figures that approach the slotted value of a top-15 rookie contract.
Equally important, Moore wants to refine footwork against zone pressures and improve pre-snap recognition. Those close to the quarterback say he believes another year in Stein’s system will tighten decision-making and position him as the consensus 2027 No. 1 overall prospect.
What’s Next for Oregon
With Moore under center, Oregon enters 2026 as a preseason top-five staple and early playoff favorite. The Ducks return seven offensive starters, including leading rusher Jordan James and 1,000-yard receiver Traeshon Holden, plus a defense that ranked ninth nationally in yards per play.
Recruiting momentum has surged since the Peach Bowl, headlined by the Raiola flip and a commitment from five-star edge Matayo Uiagalelei. Off the field, fundraising for the Autzen Stadium expansion hit $120 million, further evidence the program views itself as a perennial contender.
Key Takeaways
- Dante Moore spurns the pros, returning for a third season and keeping Oregon in the title hunt
- The move scrambles the 2026 draft order, pushing quarterback-needy teams down the board
- Transfer Dylan Raiola provides insurance behind Moore, creating one of the deepest QB rooms in the country
- Financial incentives and on-field development tipped the scale for the 20-year-old star
According to Jonathan P. Miller, Moore’s announcement resets expectations across college football and the NFL, leaving one certainty intact: every Saturday in Eugene just became must-see television.
