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Dante Moore Returns to Oregon as Ducks’ Projected Starting Quarterback

Deferring the 2026 NFL Draft makes Moore the Ducks’ projected starter, placing the team’s ceiling on his ability to fix turnover issues and lead.

Overview

  • Moore announced in January that he would forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and at Big Ten media days said he briefly second-guessed the choice but is now fully committed to Oregon.
  • Head coach Dan Lanning has framed the season around Moore’s play, saying the Ducks “go as our quarterback goes” and setting high expectations for Moore to improve and lead.
  • Moore’s struggles under pressure were exposed in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Indiana, when he threw an interception returned for a touchdown and lost two fumbles, making ball security a focal point for his offseason work.
  • Oregon expects Moore to take the bulk of snaps in 2026 while transfer Dylan Raiola develops as the planned long‑term successor and practices as a developmental backup rather than forcing an immediate competition.
  • Moore has added muscle, taken on a larger leadership role, and will face his home‑state ties when Oregon hosts Michigan on Nov. 14, a matchup that highlights both personal narrative and the Ducks’ bid to turn talent into a national title.