Dante Moore just finished one of the most impressive breakout seasons in recent Oregon football history.
After redshirting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, the redshirt sophomore took over as the Ducks’ starter and delivered in a big way. He threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 15 games, completing 71.8 percent of his passes with a 163.7 passer rating. He also added 156 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground.
Oregon went 13–2, with both losses coming against the same juggernaut Indiana Hoosiers squad. The Ducks cruised through the early playoff rounds, beating James Madison 51–34 in the first round and blanking Texas Tech 23–0 in the quarterfinals. But their season ended in brutal fashion in the Peach Bowl semifinal on January 9, a 56–22 loss in which Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza torched Oregon for five touchdown passes.
Moore’s night was a roller coaster. He went 24-of-39 for 285 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, a pick-six on the opening play. He also lost two fumbles. Those three first-half turnovers helped Indiana race out to a 35–7 halftime lead that Oregon never recovered from.
There is no questioning Moore’s talent. At 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, and still just 20 years old, he already draws comparisons to rising NFL stars because of his arm strength, accuracy, and ability to create off script. Most early 2026 NFL Draft projections have him as the QB2 behind Mendoza, often mocked to quarterback-needy teams like the New York Jets with the No. 2 overall pick. If he declares, he is very likely a top-five selection in what is viewed as a relatively thin quarterback class.
And yet, after watching that Peach Bowl unravel, there is a strong case for Moore to return to Eugene for one more season.
First, experience still matters.
Moore entered 2025 with only five career starts from a rocky freshman year at UCLA, where he completed 53.5 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions before being benched. This was his first full season as a starter, putting him at roughly 20 career starts. History shows that quarterbacks who reach the NFL with 30 or more college starts tend to be far more consistent. The extra reps build poise, sharpen decision making, and lower the bust rate. That Peach Bowl showed exactly where he still needs growth: handling pressure and protecting the ball in the biggest moments. Another year in Dan Lanning’s system could smooth those edges before the NFL spotlight gets even brighter.
Second, there is unfinished business.
Oregon lost twice to Indiana, including that lopsided semifinal. The Ducks were close to a deep playoff run and a national title. With two years of eligibility left, Moore could come back as a Heisman favorite, lead a loaded roster back to the College Football Playoff, and chase redemption against the team that ended their season. It is the kind of storyline that turns great college quarterbacks into legends, much like Justin Herbert staying at Oregon to further shape his legacy.
Third, NIL has changed the math.
Elite quarterbacks at programs like Oregon can make millions while still in school. Moore would not just be developing in a familiar, pro-style offense, he would also be earning significant money while doing it. NFL rookie contracts are massive for top picks, but staying one more year reduces the risk of landing in a dysfunctional situation and gives him a better chance to maximize his long-term value.
Finally, waiting could actually raise his ceiling.
The 2026 quarterback class being thin helps him now, but one more dominant season could make him the clear-cut No. 1 pick in 2027. Some scouts already rave about his upside while noting inconsistencies in processing and footwork when pressured. One more year of big games and cleaner performances could eliminate those doubts.
Moore has been noncommittal since the Peach Bowl, saying he plans to talk things over with his family and coaches. There is growing belief inside the Oregon program that he might stay, and draft analysts like Dane Brugler have suggested that the rough semifinal showing could push him toward returning to refine his game.
Moore already has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. Sitting behind Gabriel once turned a shaky UCLA start into a breakout season in Eugene. Another year could do the same on an even bigger scale.
His future is bright no matter what he chooses. But if it were me, I would come back, chase a title, and leave no doubt.
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