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Dante Moore to Return to Oregon in 2026, Forcing Jets to Rethink No. 2 Pick

Analysts frame the move as a development-first decision enabled by NIL money.

Overview

  • Moore announced on ESPN’s SportsCenter that he will skip the 2026 NFL Draft and remain Oregon’s starting quarterback next season.
  • He had been widely projected as a top-two 2026 pick alongside Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, whose odds of going No. 1 now increase in updated mocks.
  • Boomer Esiason said the Jets “lucked out,” pointing to options at No. 2 such as defensive standouts, a receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson, or trading down for assets.
  • Reporting cites Moore’s 20 career starts and concern about a potential Jets landing spot as factors, with NIL opportunities reportedly exceeding $5 million in 2026.
  • The decision strengthens a deep 2027 quarterback class featuring names such as Arch Manning and LaNorris Sellers, though analysts note the risk that waiting could hurt Moore’s draft stock.