Oregon QB Dante Moore Dispels Rumors About His 2026 Draft Decision

When Oregon quarterback Dante Moore opted not to enter the 2026 NFL Draft and returned to Eugene, speculation ran amok.

Moore was a projected top-10 pick, with many believing he was slated to go second-overall to the New York Jets.

Given the Jets' struggles over the past two decades, some speculated that Moore's decision was partially motivated by a desire to avoid landing in New York.

But Moore dismissed the notion that his return was tied to any potential NFL destination.

“Not at all,” Moore told The Athletic’s Chris Vannini. “Of course there was $50 million on the line, a lot to help support my family, but at the end of the day, I don’t play the game for money. I play the game to tell myself I’ve got a lot to improve. I had a chance to come back and learn more. So when I take that next step next year, I’ll be more prepared for those moments in my life.”

In addition to that, he revealed to Vannini that he had consulted with Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, and former Oregon QB Bo Nix on how to approach the next season.

By returning to Oregon, Moore now has an opportunity to further improve his draft stock ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.

Heading into this season, Moore has put himself in the conversation as one of the top quarterbacks entering the 2027 Draft.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid spoke to several NFL officials, and the consensus seems to be that Moore is a favorite to be the first quarterback taken in the draft.

"An effortless passer that's just so natural at everything," one NFC scout told Reid. "If he can play better against high-quality opponents, he has a chance to be the top pick. His skill set is quite similar to C.J. Stroud's when he was coming out."

There’s no better time to prove that when the Ducks are viewed as a strong candidate to win the National Championship this year.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently has Oregon at +800 odds, which is right behind No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Notre Dame.

“There was a lot that came with it, but overall, I’m glad I made that decision,” Moore told On3’s Pete Nakos. “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 to come 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.”

Moore enters the 2026 season as one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in college football and a leading candidate to be the first passer selected in the 2027 NFL Draft. 

With Oregon viewed as a contender to bring home its first ever National Championship, he'll have an opportunity to further strengthen that case this fall.