Oregon's Dante Moore Believed to be Considering Return to College Football

On Monday, Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning revealed that quarterback Dante Moore would not play for the remainder of the season after he suffered a concussion on Sept. 26 against USC. 

Lanning was mum on the status of Moore in recent weeks, telling reporters they'd see the quarterback's status on the Big Ten availability reports. After a bye in Week 5, Moore was ruled out against UCLA, Nebraska, and Illinois. 

Moore chose to return to Eugene for this season in a bid to gain a second year of starting experience in college before heading to the pros. He was expected to be the second quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft behind Fernando Mendoza if he entered in the spring.

Per Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, those close to Moore's camp aren't certain the quarterback will enter the 2027 draft after his season was cut short. Some executives are worried about potentially drafting the next Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion at Alabama before being drafted by the Miami Dolphins.

Moore has plenty of time to make his decision. He waited a long time in January to make a decision, prompting the Ducks to sign Dylan Raiola in the transfer portal. Pauline didn't specify if Moore would opt to return to Oregon in 2027 or if he'd look for another college team in the transfer portal if he chooses not to enter the 2027 draft. 

Through his first four starts, Moore threw for 926 yards, nine touchdowns, and no interceptions this season. Amid the frustrating season, Moore's draft stock has slid.

Given the way the season has gone for Oregon, it makes no sense for Moore to rush to return this fall. The Ducks have a 4-3 record with losses against Oklahoma State, UCLA, and Illinois. Moore needs to focus on his health. Lanning and his staff have serious issues to address with the team.

Since their win over USC, the Ducks’ offense has put up 42 points in three games. Oregon fired offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer after the loss to Illinois.

Oregon has had a quarterback competition in recent weeks between Raiola and Brock Thomas. Thomas got the start against Nebraska but was replaced by Raiola, who led Oregon to a game-winning touchdown drive. 

Raiola went 27 of 41 passing for 246 yards against Illinois with a shorthanded Ducks offense.

Oregon will next host No. 20 Northwestern on Saturday. A loss would drop the preseason No. 2 team to an astounding .500 record before November.