QB Dante Moore opts against NFL draft, returning to Oregon - ESPN

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has decided to return to school for the 2026 season, he announced on ESPN's SportsCenter on Wednesday.

By going back to Oregon, Moore gave up a chance to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He'll project near the top of a loaded quarterback class for 2027.

Wednesday was the deadline for underclassmen not playing in the College Football Playoff championship game to declare for the draft.

Moore's return makes Oregon one of the favorites for the national title in 2026. The Ducks also retained multiple key pieces on the defensive line and return a strong nucleus of young wide receivers and tailbacks.

By going back to Oregon, Moore gave up a chance to make nearly $50 million in guaranteed money. Last year's No. 2 pick, Travis Hunter, made $46.65 million fully guaranteed, and that number projects to go up this year.

Moore, in his first full-time season as a starter, led Oregon to the semifinals of the College Football playoff. He's started only 20 games as a college quarterback, which is below the line of demarcation of 25 starts that NFL executives look at as a cutoff of what they like to see in a starter.

Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025 for the Ducks. He completed 71.8% of his passes and threw 10 interceptions.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza further solidified himself as the No. 1 overall selection in the NFL draft in the semifinal win against Oregon. He looked sharp, completing 17-of-20 passes and five touchdowns. Moore, meanwhile, threw a pick-six on the game's first play, lost two fumbles and finished the game 24-of-39.

That performance came after a breakthrough season, which propelled Moore to the top of draft board. He'll begin the 2026 season in the same place for the