Top NFL Draft Prospect Makes Major Decision to Return to Oregon in 2026

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has officially decided to return to school for the 2026 season. 

As Adam Schefter noted, he is forgoing a chance to be selected near the top of this year’s NFL Draft and will come back to lead the Ducks for one more year. 

He announced his decision live on ESPN’s SportsCenter ahead of the underclassmen deadline. 

Moore’s choice immediately sent ripple effects through both the college football and NFL landscapes. 

Moore, one of the most physically gifted passers in this year’s class, was widely viewed as a potential top-five selection.  

There is now one less QB on the draft. 

With Mendoza likely to go No. 1 to the Raiders, all eyes pointed to Dante Moore as a potential landing spot to the Jets at No. 2. 

That will not happen now.

Why Moore Chose Development Over the Draft

Dante Moore’s physical tools have never been questioned.

But many draft evaluators believed another year of development could significantly boost his long-term outlook.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. made that case earlier this week.

He pointed to Moore’s youth and limited experience.

“Dante is 20 years old,” Kiper said. “Only 20 starts. That’s not enough,” he said.

“You get those reps back at Oregon, not in the National Football League.”

After transferring from UCLA, Moore took over as Oregon’s starter in 2025 and delivered a strong season.

He led the Ducks to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance.

Moore completed 71.8 percent of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

He also showed growth as a decision-maker and added mobility, finishing with 156 rushing yards and two scores.

Those around the program believe Moore’s ceiling remains extremely high.

With another year to refine his game and continue to develop under Dan Lanning, Dante Moore should be one of the top names off the board in 2027.

This is great news for the Ducks as one of the best QB’s in the entire coumtry will be back to make another run at their first ever National Championship.

Jets Among Teams Affected by Moore’s Return

Few teams feel the impact more than the New York Jets.

Holding the No. 2 overall pick and still searching for a long-term answer at quarterback, the Jets had been closely linked to Moore throughout the pre-declaration process.

His decision narrows an already thin quarterback class behind presumed No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and increases pressure on New York to explore alternative options.

The Jets own four picks inside the top 45, giving the franchise a ton of flexibility in this year’s draft. 

They now may make the decision to trade down, selecting a different quarterback later on in the draft, or pursuing a veteran solution at QB.

The ripple effects extend beyond quarterback-needy teams.

For franchises like the New Orleans Saints, who select No. 8 overall, Moore’s return changes how the board could fall.

Fewer quarterbacks taken early means less certainty that elite talent at other positions will slide down.

Moore’s decision is unfortunate news to many NFL teams that hoped quarterback demand would push blue-chip defenders or playmakers down the draft board.

Moore staying in college removes one of the most high-profile NFL prospects and changes the entire landscape of the draft.

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