Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has officially announced his decision to return for the 2026 season, a choice that places him at the forefront of the Ducks’ aspirations for a national championship. As he shared during an appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Moore expressed the personal significance of this decision, stating, “Coming back is the best thing for me.”
By choosing to remain at Oregon, Moore is foregoing the opportunity to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, where he was projected to be a top pick in a competitive quarterback class. His potential $50 million payday, akin to last year’s No. 2 pick Travis Hunter, illustrates the financial implications of his decision. However, Moore is focused on growth and the team’s success. “I’ve had many great throws, many great plays, but at the end of the day, I feel I can still learn so much more,” he explained.
Moore’s return is especially impactful for Oregon’s championship ambitions, as the team retains critical defensive pieces and a strong core of young offensive talent, including wide receivers and running backs. His decision follows the announcement of former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola’s transfer to Oregon and comes in the wake of several other players declaring for the NFL draft, including tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman.
Despite his success leading Oregon to the College Football Playoff semifinals and registering impressive statistics—3,565 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and a 71.8% completion rate in 2025—Moore understands that additional experience will benefit his future in the NFL. Having only started 20 college games, he sits below the typical threshold NFL executives look for, which often hovers around 25 starts.
In an interesting turn of events, shortly after Moore’s announcement, four-star quarterback signee Bryson Beaver declared his intention to enter the transfer portal, adding another layer of complexity to the Ducks’ quarterback situation as they head into the upcoming season.
Moore’s choice reflects a rare commitment seen in college football, reminding fans of decisions made by past players like Andrew Luck and Matt Leinart, who also opted to return for a final season despite strong draft prospects. As Oregon gears up for the 2026 season, the excitement is palpable, and Moore’s leadership could pave the way for a promising year ahead.