As the 2025 college season ended, the football world quickly shifted into NFL draft mode, with a pair of top quarterback prospects - Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore - leading the conversation.
With the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets - a pair of quarterback-needy teams - holding the top two picks in April's draft, it seemed all but certain that the two signal-callers would hear their names called in succession to kick off the event.
However, Moore ultimately opted against turning professional, instead making a surprising return to Eugene for another season in the college ranks.
The early career struggles of Zach Wilson and Sam Darnold that transpired after the Jets drafted them could serve as cautionary tales for young passers, but Moore insisted that him being linked to New York wasn't the reason he went back to Oregon.
"Not at all," Moore told Chris Vannini of The Athletic.
So, why did Moore opt against a guaranteed contract of almost $55 million to return to Oregon? He felt that he wasn't quite ready to make the leap and needed another year under his belt.
"Of course, there was $50 million on the line, a lot to help support my family, but at the end of the day, I don't play the game for money," Moore said. "I play the game to tell myself I've got a lot to improve. I had a chance to come back and learn more. So, when I take that next step next year, I'll be more prepared for those moments in my life."
In 2025, Moore had a breakout season with 3,565 yards passing and 30 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. While the Ducks made a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals, their lopsided season-ending loss to Indiana did raise questions about Moore's readiness for the NFL.
In two games versus the eventual national champion Hoosiers last season, Moore threw as many touchdowns as picks (three) and averaged only 6.3 yards passing per attempt.
Moore is now focused on making better pre-snap and post-snap reads, but head coach Dan Lanning pointed to a different area where he's noticed improvement in his quarterback.
"Where he's really grown as a leader, that's really shown up this offseason," Lanning said Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days. "What he's been able to do away, off the field, is extremely impressive. The impact he's made on the community, his teammates. I'd love to see it all come together. I think we go as our quarterback goes, right? He's certainly in a special position to help create that and make us a special team this year."
Oregon opens its season versus Boise State before heading to Oklahoma State in Week 2 for a matchup of possible 2027 first-round quarterbacks in Moore and North Texas transfer Drew Mestemaker.
