Oregon’s redshirt sophomore quarterback, Dante Moore, has announced his decision to return to the Ducks for the 2026 season, opting to forgo an early entry into the NFL Draft despite being regarded as one of the top prospects. This announcement, made on Wednesday, underscores the team’s ambitions of making another College Football Playoff appearance under coach Dan Lanning, following their strong performance in recent seasons.
Moore, who faced challenges in his last game—a disappointing effort in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Indiana—looks forward to redeeming himself and building on his previous achievements. His return not only solidifies Oregon’s offensive strength but also intensifies expectations for the upcoming season.
In the lead-up to his announcement, discussions regarding Moore’s potential NIL opportunities and a possible insurance policy in case of injury were underway between his camp and the Ducks. Sources revealed that Moore had maintained his indecision until shortly before the deadline for underclassmen wishing to enter the NFL Draft, having not informally communicated his intentions to those involved with the program.
Last season, Moore had an impressive performance as Oregon’s starting quarterback, throwing for over 3,500 yards and securing 30 touchdowns. His previous career trajectory included a transfer from UCLA, where he faced struggles, to Oregon, where he thrived alongside his teammates, contributing to the Ducks’ successful season, which included key victories in the College Football Playoff.
In addition to Moore’s announcement, Oregon has welcomed the commitment of Dylan Raiola, a former five-star quarterback and Nebraska transfer, further solidifying the Ducks’ quarterback room. Raiola is expected to learn from Moore and new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, positioning himself as a potential successor once Moore departs. With the program’s history of utilizing transfer quarterbacks effectively, Raiola brings promising credentials, having shown significant development in his previous season.
Oregon is shaping up to be a formidable contender once more, with both Moore and Raiola working to enhance the Ducks’ offensive capabilities. The combination of experienced leadership and fresh talent gives Oregon fans reasons to be optimistic about the 2026 season.