Dante Moore is widely viewed as one of the biggest standouts of the 2025–26 college football season. The Oregon Ducks quarterback is projected to be one of the first quarterbacks selected in the 2026 draft if he declares for the process.
However, there have recently been rumors that the quarterback could return for his fourth year in college football.
Should Oregon QB Dante Moore Stay In College for the 2026 Season?
Moore could be looking to gain more experience and avoid landing with dysfunctional franchises, such as the New York Jets. This has been a possibility supported by a significant portion of the media.
Going to the NFL is a dream moment for any college quarterback, especially when a player is viewed as one of the best at the position. Until recently, athletes were encouraged to capitalize on their peak value and declare as early as possible to be selected high in the draft and secure a larger rookie contract.
However, with NIL deals now in place, top college football players can already earn substantial money, allowing for greater flexibility when deciding whether or not to declare for the NFL Draft. Analyst Joel Klatt has suggested that returning to Oregon for one more year could be the best option for Moore.
“I wouldn’t blink an eye. I would say go back to school. It’s no longer just a financial decision. He can make life-changing money at Oregon, much less the National Football League.”@colincowherd and @joelklatt discuss Oregon QB Dante Moore’s future pic.twitter.com/8eBFYYuNYe
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) January 6, 2026
“If Dante Moore called me today, and he said hey, like ‘What should I do?,’ I wouldn’t blink an eye. I would say ‘Go back to school,’ because it’s no longer just a financial decision. He can make life-changing money at Oregon, much less the National Football League, and getting extra starts prepares you for what you could potentially have which is a long NFL career.”
Currently, Moore is preparing for the College Football semifinal game against Indiana, a team that already defeated Oregon earlier in the season. He still has time to make his decision, but following Klatt’s point, entering the NFL under the right conditions could allow Moore to rise even further in draft rankings and potentially become the first overall pick in 2027.
With the Jets holding the second overall pick in the draft and being one of the most dysfunctional franchises in recent years, many have advised Moore to consider this path and avoid entering the NFL too early and landing in a poor developmental situation.
Coming off his best season, with 28 touchdowns in 14 games, Moore would still be one of the top selections in the 2026 draft, if that’s his decision. With the College Football title still a real possibility, the next few weeks should make it clearer what Moore will prioritize for his future, but any decision comes with its own risks.
