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Dante Moore Bypasses 2026 NFL Draft, Returns to Oregon for Next Season

The move prioritizes development for the 20-year-old with limited starts, leaving the Jets and other QB-needy teams to reassess 2026 plans.

Overview

  • Moore announced on ESPN’s SportsCenter on Jan. 14 that he will stay at Oregon, making his decision on the underclassmen declaration deadline.
  • He posted 3,565 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on 71.8% completions in 2025, leading the Ducks to a 13–2 season and a CFP semifinal.
  • With Moore out of the pool, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is widely viewed as the clear top quarterback for 2026, with Alabama’s Ty Simpson rising on boards.
  • Analysts note Moore’s youth and roughly 20 college starts as key factors in choosing another collegiate season before projecting toward the 2027 draft.
  • Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola has committed to Oregon and is expected to back up Moore in 2026, potentially redshirting as he returns from a broken fibula.