Dante Moore Set to Return to Oregon, Despite Draft Speculation

Dante Moore has emerged as one of college football’s most compelling storylines this season. The Oregon Ducks’ star quarterback has thrown for 1,772 yards and 19 touchdowns while guiding the team to a 7-1 record and a top-10 College Football Playoff ranking. His performance has placed him squarely on NFL radars, making him one of the most discussed quarterbacks for the 2026 draft.

Despite the buzz, draft analyst Todd McShay recently emphasized that Moore will not be entering the NFL next year. Speaking on his show, McShay expressed frustration that much of the football community is ignoring this fact, with most mock drafts still listing Moore as a likely first-round pick.

McShay revealed he had spoken with an NFL scout who was confident in Moore’s decision to return, noting that the quarterback’s family, agent, and Oregon coaching staff are all aligned on the plan. This consensus underscores the stability behind Moore’s choice and dispels rumors that he might declare early.

Moore’s return gives Oregon both continuity and a proven leader at quarterback. With his talent and experience growing each week, Ducks fans can anticipate another strong season while NFL evaluators continue to monitor his development.

1. Career Path and Development

Moore’s journey to Oregon has been marked by careful development and strategic decisions. A former five-star recruit and the No. 3 quarterback in his class, he transferred from UCLA before the 2024 season. After sitting behind Dillon Gabriel, Moore has thrived in head coach Will Stein’s offense, demonstrating poise, mobility, and accuracy that have impressed NFL scouts. Despite his breakout season, Moore’s experience remains limited, with just 13 career starts prior to Oregon’s upcoming game at Iowa. This relative youth provides a rationale for staying another year, allowing him to refine his game against top-tier competition. Moore’s skill set mirrors the type of quarterbacks who benefited from additional development in college, such as Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, and Marcus Mariota. Each of these players used extra time in Eugene to improve mechanics, decision-making, and leadership before entering the NFL Draft. Staying in school also gives Moore the chance to enhance his legacy at Oregon, potentially leading the Ducks to deeper postseason success and solidifying his status as one of the program’s top signal-callers.

2. Financial Incentives and NIL Opportunities

Oregon is uniquely positioned to retain Moore, thanks in large part to one of the nation’s strongest Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programs. The Ducks’ partnership with Nike, spearheaded by co-founder Phil Knight, offers elite athletes financial incentives to remain in Eugene. Moore recently signed a deal with Nike’s Grateful Dead collection, contributing to his reported NIL valuation of $1.7 million. This provides a lucrative alternative to declaring for the draft and potentially sitting behind other quarterbacks in the NFL. These financial opportunities, combined with on-field development, create a compelling reason for Moore to return. Oregon can offer both exposure and resources that rival what he might gain by turning professional immediately. Furthermore, staying in Eugene allows Moore to continue building relationships within the program and refine his leadership skills, both of which could enhance his draft stock for 2027.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

As Moore prepares for the 2026 season, expectations are high for his continued growth. His experience, talent, and leadership could elevate Oregon into contention for a deep College Football Playoff run. NFL scouts will continue to monitor his performance, evaluating how additional experience and game reps impact his mechanics, decision-making, and consistency. Strong showings next season could cement Moore as a top-10 draft pick in the following year, further validating his decision to stay. Oregon fans can anticipate another thrilling season behind their star quarterback, knowing that Moore’s choice to return provides both continuity and elite talent for the program. Despite widespread mock draft speculation, Dante Moore is returning to Oregon for the 2026 season to further develop his game and enhance his NFL draft prospects.