Jun 4, 2026 4:30 PM
Rejecting a projected first-round payday, Oregon’s star passer prioritizes championship dreams and skill development over immediate riches, betting on himself to reach elite status by 2027.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore had an opportunity to eclipse Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza for positioning in the 2026 NFL Draft during the College Football Playoff.
However, Moore struggled against Texas Tech and Indiana in the CFP. While he would have been the second quarterback off the board in this year's draft, Moore made the prudent decision to return to college and better his skills as a quarterback before making a jump to the league.
During an appearance with "The Journey Media," Moore was asked why he chose to return to college for another season when he would have been a first-round pick in this year's draft.
Moore said he called a number of NFL quarterbacks to seek advice about what to do, and decided it was in his best interest to return and try to win a championship with his teammates. He could have made more money in the future by leaving for the league this year, but that's not his motivation.
“It was a great year, and, of course, I was projected to go (as) a high pick... everybody was screaming at me for the money reasons, but at the end of the day, I don’t play football for money. I play football because I was a younger kid. I love the game.
"I love throwing the ball to my receivers, getting the ball to my running back. I love letting the playmakers make plays. So, a lot of us came back, we’re going to be a great team, a great coaching staff, and kind of feel like I wasn’t ready for the next step yet too. I’ve got much to learn, got more to keep getting better at to perfect my craft, and keep stacking from there.”
The Ducks have a talented group of targets for Moore to work with, including Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart. He has a chance to become the No. 1 pick in the 2027 draft if he plays his cards right.
Of course, as we saw with Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier, there is a risk he could see his value plummet if he struggles during the upcoming season. It's a risk Moore is taking to become better, even if it’s a gamble for his pocketbook.
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