A Calculated Choice
Dante Moore, the Oregon Ducks’ standout quarterback, announced that he will forgo the 2026 NFL Draft and remain in college for another season. The decision comes despite projections that had him slotted as the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Moore explained that the extra year is part of a deliberate plan to refine his mechanics, deepen his reads, and position himself as the premier quarterback prospect for the 2027 draft, a class that analysts are already hailing as one of the deepest in recent memory.
During the 2025 season, Moore posted a 72.9 % completion rate, ranking third nationally, and logged a passer rating of 166.73, placing him seventh among college signal‑callers. Those numbers have only amplified the excitement surrounding his potential impact next fall.
The Ducks open their 2026 schedule on September 5 against the Boise State Broncos, a matchup that will serve as the first major test of Moore’s extended campaign. Success in that game and throughout the season could cement his status as the top quarterback prospect heading into the 2027 draft.
Had Moore been selected second overall in 2026, industry estimates suggested he could have commanded a contract worth $40 million to $50 million. By staying, he joins a cohort of elite quarterbacks — including Arch Manning, Drake Lindsey and others — who are expected to shape the narrative of the next draft cycle.