Dante Moore was considered one of the potential top picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. But the quarterback will remain loyal to his college team for another year.

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place without one of the potentially best quarterbacks in his class. As Dante Moore, playmaker for the Oregon Ducks, announced on ESPN, he will spend another year in college.

The 20-year-old was seen in many mock drafts as the second quarterback after Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Now he is not expected to enter the NFL until 2027. Moore began his college career with the UCLA Bruins in 2023, but transferred to Oregon after just one season. There, he was initially the backup to Dillon Gabriel and took over the starting position in 2025.

Dante Moore was considered a possible Jets pick

In his first season as starting quarterback, he threw 30 touchdowns and ten interceptions, and led the Ducks to the playoff semifinals. There, Oregon lost decisively to Mendoza’s Indiana Hoosiers.

Moore’s decision is likely to disrupt the plans of individual NFL teams.
For example, the New York Jets, who pick second, were considered a possible fit for Moore.

Financially, he will take a bit of a hit. As the number two pick, he could have received a fully guaranteed contract worth around $50 million. However, he is still considered one of the top picks for 2027.