Oregon QB Dante Moore says no draft decision made yet
Published 2:09 pm Monday, December 15, 2025
Star Oregon quarterback Dante Moore said Monday he hasn’t made any plans for 2026 yet.
In his first year as the Ducks’ starter, the redshirt-sophomore’s play opened plenty of doors for what’s next — and discourse along with it. Moore, now three-years removed from high school, has the option to either declare for the NFL draft or return to Oregon. On Monday, Moore met with media members in Eugene ahead of the Ducks’ first-round playoff game against James Madison.
When asked about his future, Moore, 20, didn’t have an answer.
“There’s not a decision yet, I don’t know,” Moore said.
Moore, a five-star recruit in the class of 2023, began his collegiate career as a UCLA Bruin after initially committing to Oregon. He started five games for the Bruins and, after the season, entered the transfer portal and reunited with Ducks head coach Dan Lanning in Eugene. Moore served as Heisman-finalist quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s backup during Oregon’s 2024 undefeated season and took the reins as the Ducks’ starter in 2025.
He started all 12 games for Oregon, leading the Ducks to an 11-1 record and a playoff berth for the second-straight season. Moore passed for over 2,700 yards and threw 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions en route to the playoff’s No. 5-seed. Moore’s decision to stay or go looms large for Ducks fans and quarterback-hungry NFL franchises alike.
Top-five pick?
The Athletic’s lead NFL Draft analyst, Dane Brugler, projected Moore as a top-three selection in a Dec. 3 mock draft. Brugler selected him No. 2-overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, behind Indiana’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
“With Oregon’s NIL potential, he’ll also have plenty of reasons to stay in school,” Brugler wrote. “But could he pass up a potential spot in the top five? I continue to be impressed with the way Moore has responded to everything Oregon has put on his plate this season. His command of the offense and natural accuracy as a passer are strong selling points for the quarterback he will become in the NFL.”
Most draft-adjacent media members forecast Moore’s potential selection in a similar range — contending to be the draft’s No. 1 pick. Marcus Mariota, the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, was the No. 2-overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 draft. Mariota is the highest-selected Oregon Duck in program history since the NFL-AFL merger.
If he forgoes the draft, Moore owns two more years of collegiate eligibility. And with Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein hired on as Kentucky’s next head coach, Moore will have a new playcaller next season — whether he’s in the NFL or at Oregon.
The NFL’s deadline for draft declarations is Jan. 14, one day after the College Football Playoff’s semifinal round. A second deadline, on Jan. 23, is set for players in the CFP National Championship game.
CFP First-round: No. 5 Oregon (11-1) vs. No. 12 James Madison (12-1)
When: Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Autzen Stadium; Eugene, Oregon
Time: 4:30 p.m. (PT)
TV/Streaming: TNT, HBO Max