In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Dante Moore has decided to put his NFL dreams on hold, opting to return to the University of Oregon for the 2026 season instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. But here's where it gets controversial—this decision comes hot on the heels of Dylan Raiola's transfer to Oregon, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering: Is Moore staying to mentor Raiola, or is he aiming to solidify his own legacy before going pro? Let’s dive into the details.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is hitting the pause button on his NFL aspirations to spend another year dominating the NCAA. On Wednesday, Moore announced on ESPN's SportsCenter that he’ll be suiting up for the Ducks once again in 2026. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning kept it short and sweet on social media, simply stating, ‘We’re ready.’ Moore still has two years of college eligibility left, and this extra season could be the game-changer he needs to boost his draft stock for 2027.
And this is the part most people miss—Moore’s journey hasn’t been a straight shot to stardom. After starting his career at UCLA in 2023, he transferred to Oregon and redshirted the 2024 season, playing second fiddle to Dillon Gabriel, now with the Cleveland Browns. In his first full season as the Ducks’ starter, Moore lit up the field, completing 71.8% of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions across 15 games. He also showcased his versatility with 73 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Ducks reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. Now, he’s looking to build on that momentum and lead Oregon even deeper into the playoffs during his redshirt junior year.
The timing of Moore’s announcement is particularly intriguing, coming just after Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola revealed he’s joining the Ducks in 2026. Raiola could very well follow in Moore’s footsteps by redshirting his first season at Oregon, setting the stage for a potential quarterback succession plan. But here’s the bold question: Could Raiola’s arrival have influenced Moore’s decision to stay? Or is Moore simply focused on maximizing his own potential before turning pro?
Moore’s return to the NCAA is bound to shake up NFL draft boards, especially with quarterback-needy teams holding top-four picks. The latest Bleacher Report mock draft had Moore going to the New York Jets at No. 2, but now that’s all up in the air. For Oregon fans, this means another year of Moore’s electrifying playmaking. For NFL scouts, it’s a waiting game to see if he can elevate his game even further.
So, what do you think? Is Dante Moore making the right call by staying in college, or should he have taken the leap to the NFL? And how do you think Dylan Raiola’s presence factors into this decision? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to keep the sports world buzzing!
