As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight is shining brightly on Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, whose future has become one of the most intriguing storylines in college football and the NFL alike. With the College Football Playoff in full swing and Moore's Ducks advancing to the semifinals after a 23-0 victory over Texas Tech, speculation is mounting about whether the 20-year-old signal-caller will forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility to enter the draft.
Moore’s decision, expected in the coming weeks, could have a seismic impact on several NFL franchises desperate for a new face under center. After a season in which he threw 28 touchdowns against eight interceptions, Moore is widely projected as a first or second-round pick, should he declare. His blend of size, arm strength, and athleticism has scouts and executives buzzing, but it’s not without debate—his readiness for the pro game is being hotly contested by analysts and insiders alike.
Against Texas Tech, Moore completed 26 of 33 passes for 234 yards, managing the offense efficiently but failing to deliver the kind of difference-making performance that cements a quarterback’s status as a can’t-miss prospect. He failed to convert three fourth-down opportunities, including two in scoring territory, and threw a late third-quarter interception that kept the Red Raiders in the game longer than expected. As one analyst observed, “Moore was the caretaker of Oregon’s offense in Thursday’s 23-0 win. But was not a difference-maker, which was disappointing to witness since he’s someone in the conversation to become the first quarterback taken in the 2026 NFL Draft.”
Despite these critiques, Moore’s physical traits are undeniable. He’s lauded for a snappy release, velocity on his throws, and the ability to change arm angles—skills that have drawn comparisons to both Justin Herbert and C.J. Stroud. Yet, concerns linger about his tendency to stare down receivers, his reliance on shotgun formations, and his reluctance to throw into tight windows—areas that will need refinement to succeed at the next level. “Moore needs more development to go with his velocity, precision and touch because he would quickly be figured out in the NFL, where the game moves faster, is more complicated, and the players are rougher and tougher,” another observer noted.
Moore’s draft stock is also being viewed through the lens of recent NFL history. Over the past decade, five quarterbacks with fewer than 20 college starts have been drafted in the first round, with mixed results. Mitchell Trubisky, Kyler Murray, the late Dwayne Haskins, Trey Lance, and Anthony Richardson all entered the league with limited experience, and only Murray has been consistently serviceable. The cautionary tales of Lance and Richardson loom large, underscoring the risks of drafting a quarterback who may need more seasoning.
Financial incentives to remain in college are also at play. With name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals now netting top college quarterbacks between $2 million and $4 million annually, Moore could be tempted to return to Oregon for another season. One columnist argued, “Moore would benefit more from polishing his skills on the college level, gaining more experience in the minor leagues than rolling the dice as an unfinished quarterback forced to be the face of an NFL franchise before he’s ready.”
Still, the allure of the NFL is strong, and several teams are lining up as potential landing spots if Moore declares. The Atlanta Falcons, despite heavy investments in Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins, remain unsettled at quarterback. Penix’s health history and Cousins’ massive contract haven’t translated into stability, making Atlanta a plausible destination. The Miami Dolphins are rumored to be moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, possibly setting the stage for Moore to step in as the new franchise leader. The Arizona Cardinals, reeling from a likely three-win season and uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray, could use a fresh start under center, with Moore fitting the bill.
Perhaps the most intriguing scenario involves the Las Vegas Raiders, who, after a disappointing season, are poised to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft. The Raiders’ quarterback quandary is front and center, with both Moore and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza—this year’s Heisman Trophy winner—widely expected to be top-five selections if they declare. Mendoza, known for his leadership and accuracy, is the early favorite, but Moore’s higher upside and athletic gifts keep him firmly in the conversation. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported, “The Raiders, with their loss Sunday, are now positioned to get the top pick in the 2026 draft. But I’m not 100% convinced it’ll be Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza… I’m just not sure, at this early juncture, whether he’ll go ahead of Oregon’s Dante Moore (should Moore turn down whatever Phil Knight’s offering him to stay in Eugene).”
Adding another wrinkle, Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is expected to play a significant role in the team’s quarterback decision. Breer noted, “I’d say Brady will be involved in decision-making on the quarterback, for sure. And I think he’d lean toward a quarterback who can win from the pocket.” While Mendoza’s style is reminiscent of Brady’s, Moore’s athleticism and arm talent offer a different kind of potential, setting up a fascinating debate in Raiders headquarters.
The New York Jets, in the midst of a major rebuild after trading away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, could also be in the mix. With no clear answer at quarterback, the Jets may use a high pick on Moore as the centerpiece of their next era. As history shows, it wouldn’t be the first time the Jets have gambled on a quarterback early in the draft.
Meanwhile, betting markets are keeping a close eye on Moore’s performances. Ahead of the playoff clash with Texas Tech, oddsmakers set his passing yards prop at 231.5, with many predicting a tough outing against a Red Raiders secondary ranked among the nation’s best. Moore ultimately finished just above that number, but the conservative approach by the Ducks’ offense highlighted the challenges he’ll face against NFL defenses.
With just a handful of college games remaining and the NFL Draft order taking shape, the decision facing Dante Moore is as complex as it is consequential. Will he seize the opportunity to become a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, or will he return to Oregon to further hone his craft and chase a national title? For now, the football world waits with bated breath as the next chapter in Moore’s journey unfolds.
