New report details Dante Moore’s decision to return to Oregon over the NFL originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Dante Moore could’ve been one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the Oregon Ducks standout mulled his options and bet on himself before the upcoming season. He wasn’t ready for the next step.
While some wanted to see him in the NFL, Moore had a different assessment for his future.
“It was a tough decision, but overall it kind of just felt like I wasn’t prepared yet for my next step,” Moore told On3. “There was a lot that came with it, but overall, I’m glad I made that decision. I’m going to apply 100% effort to whatever I do this upcoming year to help me get prepared for next year. I’m just excited about coming back and get with this team. I love this team. We put a lot of work in together, and we have a lot of great things coming ahead of us.”
After a Peach Bowl loss to the Indiana Hoosiers, Oregon has a lot to prove in the postseason, which starts this offseason. Moore saw this as an opportunity to prove the naysayers wrong and boost his draft stock for 2027.
But returning to Eugene meant next year would put him in a top-heavy group of quarterbacks. If he can stay on top, Moore will be among names like Trinidad Chambliss, Sam Leavitt and Arch Manning.
Not bad company considering Moore was the projected No. 2 quarterback behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza before he pulled back. He finished last season with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading the two-loss Ducks into a consecutive College Football Playoff appearance.
“The game, mentally as a quarterback, is very challenging,” Moore added. “I don’t have all the resources yet. Of course, when I get to the NFL, someday I still won’t, but overall I feel I can learn so much more this one more year of just being able to play ball.”
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Moore will be going through this season with a new offensive coordinator. Drew Mehringer steps in for Will Stein, who’s now the head coach at Kentucky. Mehringer isn’t new to Dan Lanning’s staff, but moves over with greater responsibility.
For Moore, this is a chance to prove why staying in school was the best option. Anything less will feel like a wasted opportunity.
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