Oregon quarterback Dante Moore quickly rose up draft boards before the program made a second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff.

Moore finished the season throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He added another 156 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. 

Before the CFP, Moore was expected to be the second quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the winner of the Heisman Trophy.

However, Moore struggled against better defenses in the CFP. 

While the Ducks blanked No. 4 Texas Tech 23-0 in the CFP quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, the sophomore quarterback was aided by the defense to generate points in the lopsided contest. He threw for no touchdowns but had an interception against TTU.

Moore's stock had a chance to rise in the CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl when he had a second opportunity to go head-to-head with Mendoza. However, the former UCLA Bruin had three total turnovers against the No. 1 Hoosiers in a 56-22 loss on Jan. 9. 

Moore wasn't decided about returning to Eugene in 2026 or entering the draft after the loss to Indiana.

On Wednesday, Moore told reporters during an ESPN "SportsCenter" broadcast that he intends to play for Oregon in 2026.

"With that being said, of course, I'll be coming back to Oregon for one more year and being able to play for the Oregon Ducks," Moore said. "And, of course, reach our goal and be national champions."

Moore said he'd remember the 2025 season for the rest of his life. He gave credit to the Hoosiers for beating Oregon in the CFP. 

Moore suggested he wanted to return to college one more year so he would be better prepared for the NFL.

"With this decision, mainly, all my life has kind of just been, you know, being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into," Moore said. "And when it comes to me just make my decision. Of course, I want to feel most prepared.

"And you know, it was best for my situation, especially the quarterback. And with my decision, it's been very tough. I've prayed a lot about it, talked to many people, my mentors and people I just look up to."

Moore will not have one of his best targets from 2025 available next season. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq revealed on Tuesday he plans to enter the draft. He's expected to be a top-10 pick in April.

Former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola signed with the Ducks in the transfer portal. He will be sent behind Moore in 2026 before he has a chance to start for Oregon.