Oregon QB Dante Moore Undecided on NFL Draft Future
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore faces a massive decision. He must choose between entering the NFL draft. Alternatively, he can return for another season with the Ducks. This critical choice comes after a tough end to the 2025 season. The Ducks lost the College Football Playoff semifinal. They fell to Indiana in the Peach Bowl. The score was 56-22. Moore stated he is not ready to make a final call. He plans to meet with coach Dan Lanning. He will also consult with his family. This decision carries significant weight for both Moore and the Oregon program. The news is trending in college sports.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Dante Moore transferred to Oregon from UCLA for the 2024 season. He became the starting quarterback. This followed Dillon Gabriel’s departure for the NFL. Moore had a strong 2025 season. He completed 71.8% of his passes. He threw for 3,565 yards. Moore also recorded 30 touchdowns. However, he threw 10 interceptions. This performance earned him high NFL draft projections. Scouts praise his talent and accuracy. He is considered a potential top-five pick. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked him the No. 1 quarterback for the 2026 draft.
Peach Bowl Struggles Impact Decision
The CFP semifinal game against Indiana proved challenging for Moore. He committed three crucial turnovers in the first half. These mistakes led to Indiana touchdowns. Moore threw a pick-six on the very first play. He also fumbled the ball twice deep in Oregon territory. These turnovers contributed to a 35-7 halftime deficit for the Ducks. Moore took responsibility for these errors. He stated the team beat themselves. His performance in this high-stakes game may influence his draft stock. Analyst Dane Brugler suggested these struggles might encourage Moore to return to college.
Implications for Oregon
Oregon finished the 2025 season with a 13-2 record. Coach Dan Lanning hopes to have Moore back for another year. Lanning has a strong coaching record with the Ducks. However, the team’s offensive coordinator, Will Stein, accepted a head coaching job at Kentucky. This departure creates uncertainty. The Ducks are also reportedly hosting transfer quarterback Dylan Raiola. Raiola could provide a succession plan. He might redshirt and develop, preparing to take over later. This situation adds another layer to Moore’s decision.
The Road Ahead
Dante Moore is at a critical juncture. His choice will shape his NFL aspirations. It will also significantly impact the Oregon Ducks’ future. He has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining. The NFL draft deadline is January 14th. Moore’s decision is one of the most watched in college sports news right now. Fans await his announcement. The trending sports world watches his next move.
