Kiper Endorses Dante Moore’s Return as Early Odds, Rankings Lift Oregon QB
Fresh assessments position the Ducks’ starter as an early 2026 Heisman threat.
Overview
- ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said on Jan. 21 that Dante Moore “made the right choice” to return to Oregon, citing his age, limited starts and the value of another full season.
- On3 placed Moore at No. 2 in its way-too-early top 10 players for 2026, trailing only Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith.
- FanDuel opened Moore at +1300 in early 2026 Heisman odds, behind favorites such as Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr at +800.
- Moore is coming off a 2025 campaign with 71.8% passing, 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, plus two rushing scores.
- By skipping the 2026 NFL Draft, where he had been projected as a top-five pick, Moore strengthens Oregon’s preseason outlook as a national-title contender according to early analysis.