Dante Moore's decision to return to the Oregon Ducks for next season instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft came as a surprise to many. He was potentially in line to be an early first-round pick and is recognized as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation. So, why did he decide to play at least one more season of college football instead of going pro? Moore finally provides that answer.
During an interview with “The Journey” and helping promote the new NCAA College Football 27 video game, the soon-to-be redshirt junior claimed that after seeing his teammates upset with the 56-22 College Football Playoff loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl, Moore felt that his story with the Ducks wasn't over just yet. Dante Moore seemingly has championship aspirations for the 2026-27 campaign.
“After that last game playing down there in the Peach Bowl, seeing the tears on my teammates' faces, kind of felt like that couldn't have been my last journey with them,” said Moore. “At the end of the day, it was a great year. Of course, I was projected to go a high pick.
“But at the end of the day, man, everybody was screaming at me for the money reasons,” continued Moore.” … But I don't play football for money… I love the game… We're gonna be a great team. Great coaching staff. And kind of felt like I wasn't ready for the next step yet, too. I got much to learn. Got more to keep getting better at to perfect my craft and keep stacking from there.”
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We asked Oregon QB Dante Moore why he RETURNED to Eugene instead of entering the NFL Draft as a potential top pick…
“At the end of the day, I don’t play football for MONEY.” 😤
His answer is exactly why Ducks fans are fired up for 2026. 🦆🔥
– Interview By Darien Rencher… pic.twitter.com/nk3maWfl77
— The Journey (@thejrnymedia) June 3, 2026
Dante Moore was one of the more prolific quarterbacks in the nation last season, leading Oregon to a 13-2 record, while going 8-1 against teams in the Big Ten. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with 3,565 passing yards and 30 touchdowns through the air while completing 71.8% of his pass attempts in his first year as the starting quarterback for the Ducks.
The star quarterback will have plenty to work with next season. Oregon is stacked in the wide receiver room with Dakorien Moore leading the way. Meanwhile, Jeremiah McClellan, Iverson Hooks, Evan Stewart, Dillon Gresham, and incoming freshman Messiah Hampton will be rotating in at wide receiver. Additionally, the Ducks have a stacked offensive line to help protect Moore next year, too.
Dante Moore's decision to return to the Oregon Ducks for next season instead of declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft came as a surprise to many. He was potentially in line to be an early first-round pick and is recognized as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation. So, why did he decide to play at least one more season of college football instead of going pro?