Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is heading back to the Pacific Northwest this fall to continue his college career with the Ducks.
Moore made his big announcement on ESPN on Wednesday afternoon that he’s not heading to the NFL Draft this spring, when he could’ve been one of the top picks in the 2026 draft. Most mock drafts penciled in Moore as the No. 2 overall pick in the opening round.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter posted on his social media after the announcement that Moore’s decision “is expected to have significant ramifications on the draft.” In other words, be prepared for a massive trickle-down effect with Moore remaining in college instead of going pro.
Moore was spectacular during his first season as Oregon’s starting quarterback. While it apparently won’t be his last in Eugene, Moore made the 2025 season count, with the Detroit native throwing for a whopping 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
His 71.8 completion percentage was mighty impressive, too, and the bottom line was that Moore helped Oregon advance all the way to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where the Ducks were denied by No. 1 seed and Big Ten rival Indiana.
With Wednesday’s decision, Moore would have another crack at the national crown, with the 6-foot-3, 206-pounder opting for more seasoning at the college level instead of the possible NFL millions that likely awaited him this spring.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
