Headline says it all, but here's a link.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/dante-moore-staying-oregon-2026-nfl-draft/

QUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

Let's gooooooo!!!

Dante Moore>Dylan Raiola>Akili Smith Jr.>Bryson Beaver...sounds good to me.

I was listening to Danny Kannel a couple of mornings ago and he thought this would be the right decision. His thought process was that the more experience Dante got the better chance he would be at succeeding and thus, earning a second contract. The first contract is nice, but the second contract can be nine figures if you prove to be the future of your franchise (just ask Justin).

Very cool! We have a very good 2 deep.

Advance warning, don’t be attached to HS names that weren’t good enough to play their frosh year.

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by JabbaNoBargain

Great to hear.

YES! Dante gets more experience, Dylan uses a red shirt season to improve his play, and better fit into the Oregon system.

This helps erase the sour Peach Bowl pain. 👍👌😍

ESPN.com

QB Moore opts against draft, returning to Ducks

Oregon QB Dante Moore, who was projected as a top pick in the NFL draft, has decided to return to school for the 2026 season, he announced on ESPN's SportsCenter.

21 minutes ago, jrw said:

Dante Moore>Dylan Raiola>Akili Smith Jr.>Bryson Beaver...sounds good to me.

I seriously doubt Smith Jr. will wait 2-3 years for his chance. I know this is just how it goes, but I don't see him waiting around 2-3 years to get his shot.

He might beat out Raiola over the course of next year, but it will be a tough go considering the experience that Raiola has. Personally, I hope this is what happens.

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by spartan2785

Also good to remember Dylan is coming off of a serious injury and may well not be ready for fall camp let alone spring. He has 3 seasons to play 2, so this might make more and more sense as things unfold.

Make sense for him. And good for OBD.

12 minutes ago, spartan2785 said:

He might beat out Raiola over the course of next year, but it will be a tough go considering the experience that Raiola has. Personally, I hope this is what happens.

I agree. I would love to have Akili Jr. beat out Raiola.

12 minutes ago, JabbaNoBargain said:

Dylan is coming off of a serious injury

Not to under play a broken bone but my understanding was that it was a broken fibula without tibia damage and that is a "good" break to have (experience speaks for a hell of a lot less NIL).

I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't think I could really be less enthusiastic for the returning of a projected 1st rounder at QB than I am about Dante Moore.

I think he has a ton of tools, but I just don't know if this the guy that can lead a team to a championship, mightily struggled against every tough defense that he faced, and while there are mitigating circumstances (injuries, play of the O-line, etc.) I just don't know if he has "it".

I'm probably wrong, he will have a very good season, but until I see him dominate a great defense then I'll be skeptical that he can do it.

And I happen to believe it makes no sense for him or OBD.

If he went out now he'd be down the list of draftees, maybe 8-12. The Ducks have had lots of QB's go much higher. Harrington went to Detroit and got the hell beat out of him. Mariota went to Tennessee and got the hell beat out him. Hubert went to the Chargers and is still getting the hell beat out of him. However Nix, who was farther down the list, went to Denver and is doing great.

I expect that Moore will have a tough battle to be the starter. Better for him if he loses.

Dante Moore Explains His Decision to Return to Oregon on SportsCenter

Meta: Oregon quarterback Dante Moore spoke live on SportsCenter about faith, preparation, and unfinished business in Eugene. Here is everything he said.

Dante Moore staying at Oregon means expectations just went sky high

Dante Moore’s return to Oregon sets sky-high expectations for the Ducks in 2026. History shows when elite quarterbacks stay in Eugene, special seasons follow, and Moore is betting he’s next.

54 minutes ago, jrw said:

Dante Moore>Dylan Raiola>Akili Smith Jr.>Bryson Beaver...sounds good to me.

Strong QB room for sure!

Dante Moore announces return to Oregon in 2026, setting stage to be college football's top QB

Dante Moore is returning to Oregon for the 2026 season, turning down the NFL Draft after a breakout year. The Ducks keep their star quarterback and instantly remain a national title contender.

15 minutes ago, spartan2785 said:

I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't think I could really be less enthusiastic for the returning of a projected 1st rounder at QB than I am about Dante Moore.

The Auburn fanbase referred to Nix as Bo Picks and seemed fine with him leaving.

Experience can work wonders. We've been spoiled by three years of having basically the most experienced college QB ever. I for one am happy to hear this news and look forward to seeing Dante grow.

19 minutes ago, spartan2785 said:

I know I'm in the minority here, but I don't think I could really be less enthusiastic for the returning of a projected 1st rounder at QB than I am about Dante Moore.

Thanks for your take.

Nice to know that you will not be ostracized for it.

That is why we moderate.

Just now, bbmichaels said:

The Auburn fanbase referred to Nix as Bo Picks and seemed fine with him leaving.

Experience can work wonders. We've been spoiled by three years of having basically the most experienced college QB ever. I for one am happy to hear this news and look forward to seeing Dante grow.

This is my thought too. I was highly critical of Moore though the season, but he did show improvement over UCLA and earlier in the year.

Seeing Bo:s improvement in his second Oregon season was impressive. I'm hoping for the same amount of improvement. Not saying he will play like Bo. He will make more mistakes and bigger plays than Bo did.

It will be interesting to see what changes our new OC makes despite the same returning QB.

2 minutes ago, bbmichaels said:

The Auburn fanbase referred to Nix as Bo Picks and seemed fine with him leaving.

Experience can work wonders. We've been spoiled by three years of having basically the most experienced college QB ever. I for one am happy to hear this news and look forward to seeing Dante grow.

Yes, it can certainly work out. It's more of a preference thing. He's just not my type of QB that I prefer. I like QBs that are mobile, I like guys that are more vocal leaders. I'm sure I'm also still being influenced by the below par play in the last two games.

Moore has the tools to be "that" guy. I also think it is very likely that we are a better football team with him at the helm than any of the options currently on the team.

I think Moore is going to be a force to be reckoned with next season.

Smart move by Dante. Drafted QB's with as few starts as him have been notoriously bad at the next level. He has some important growing to do. Particularly in anticipation and throwing in cluttered windows over the middle.

Now we need to capitalize on the amazing WR room we will have next year. A strong RB room as well. Our new OC has the 'Jimmy's & joes', will he be able to design the 'x's & o's'!

Great news. Now to bring in an elite level QB coach.

He can only improve from this year, and it's not like Raiola or another QB is more of a sure thing... What stands out to me is his drop-off in production compared to Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel.

However, if he can produce like Nix did in year 2? Wow.

QB stats

2025 - Moore - 3565yds, 72%, 30 Tds, 10 INTs

2024 - Gabriel - 3857, 73%, 30, 6

2023 - Nix - 4508, 77%, 48, 3

2022 - Nix - 3593, 72%, 29, 7

And if his returns helps us get this guy? lookout...

https://duckswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/ducks/football/2026/01/14/oregon-football-jordan-seaton-dante-moore/88183853007/

Are stars lining up?

I am glad Dante is coming back and I think he has a ton of upside. I just hope he keeps progressing reading defenses and making the right read.

Too many times he just throws the ball because that is what the play calls for. He didn't even process the defender being right on top of his WR. I was quite surprised Dante didn't have more INTs on the WR screens or quick out passes.

Good news. I just prefer developing with in the system as opposed to changing partners after every season. Can be messy, but the benefits are numerous.

Now we need to rebuild, and return the OL to Joe Moore status so Dante can continue to develop.

From Canzano...a good take.

Announce it on SportsCenter on Wednesday? Use the glow of the worldwide leader to elevate the brand? It was nothing short of orchestrated marketing genius. Give Moore’s camp some credit there. While in college, the QB has learned well from Oregon/Nike PR machine. I first heard about Moore’s impending announcement from a friend, who saw Adam Schefter’s tweet on Wednesday morning.

Wrote Schefty: “Oregon QB Dante Moore is planning to announce his decision about whether he will or won’t enter the NFL Draft on ESPN’s SportsCenter at 2:30 EST.”

Moore popped up on the screen, right on time.

“With this decision, mainly all my life has just been about being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into,” Moore said on TV. “And when it comes to me making my decision, I just want to do what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback.

“With my decision, it’s been very tough. I’ve prayed a lot about it, talked to many people — my mentors and people I look up to. With that being said, of course I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”

Again, he’s 20 years old.

Where were you at 20?

Gabriel would have stayed another year if he could. Bo Nix stuck around for one final season. So did Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert. The precedent was set in Eugene. Quarterbacks don’t go to Oregon to use the place as a quick hop to the NFL.

Question: What kind of man passes up the chance to sign a $50 million dollar contract to play in the NFL for another year of college football?

Answer: A man with unquestionable leadership ability who can be trusted and followed by other young stars with mega talent and lofty goals.

Go Ducks!

Let it be so!

https://duckswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/ducks/football/2026/01/14/oregon-football-evan-stewart-return-ducks-2026/88184479007/

1 hour ago, spartan2785 said:

I just don't know if this the guy that can lead a team to a championship, mightily struggled against every tough defense that he faced, and while there are mitigating circumstances (injuries, play of the O-line, etc.) I just don't know if he has "it".

We are ALL thinking that, but isn't that part of the entertainment? To see if he can beat-his-demons in the off-season?

Even if he doesn't....we are winning a boatload of games in 2026! (But I think he will)

Dante has started 20 football games. Bo and Dillon Gabriel had 60+ starts. Comparing Dante to these two is apples and oranges.

He will improve next season. This is Moore's 3rd season with OBD. How far along would a true frosh QB be entering his third season?

Had he entered the draft, Moore would have been picked in the top 5.

I hope Akili Smith plays terrific football for Oregon someday, but he will not beat out Moore next season.

30 minutes ago, The Kamikaze Kid said:

Are stars lining up?

Be still my pounding heart!

Those questioning Dante seem to ignore a season end plagued by receiver and running back injuries. The entire offense was being reformatted.

Once again, lots of very good comments.

I hope DM is already in the film room. I hope he is already working with the 25 guys that need work on offense and defense honing their skills.

The pursuit of a title started "yesterday". I also hope everyone on the team gets an individual analysis from a pro scout on their skills sets. An objective analysis will work wonders in that aspect.

That goes for the coaching staff also.

It's muscle memory time. Thousands of hours watching film, drilling specifics, and becoming the best because you work at it.

I always think of the Matrix, when Neo says " I can do jujutsu". The clock is ticking ..

DM will be wanted by the NFL, but not the Ducks?

I enjoy the fact that we are competing at this level, and it isn’t because of me that the Ducks have been to the CFP in the NIL age.

I have at least bought a few pairs of shoes at stupid prices, for my son, via Division Street’s website. Anyone else donate to Division Street? If not, then every little bit helps. https://www.divisionst.com/

Nobody owes me a championship for donating. I do it because I am blessed to be in a position to do it, and hope for the best.

I predicted this would be his decision based on his willingness to sit for a year and learn.

And really this was the only decision he could make. He doesn’t have the chops to play in the NFL and Dante would have to be deluding himself to think that he does. Dante didn’t strike me as delusional.

The truth is, Dante needs probably two more seasons at the college level. Look what it’s done for Mendoza. And look at the mistakes Dante made this year. The delta between the two is enormous.

The NFL is not a development league and I’ve read the floor for collegiate starts for an incoming QB teams would ideally like to see is 34. Obviously Dante has raw talent so a team was going to take risk and draft him with a high pick after only 20 starts (we’ve all seen the crazy stretches teams are willing to make for a QB) but I think he would have been a bust.

If you want a future in the league, you want to get as many starts as possible at the collegiate level. The game only gets faster at the next level and your weaknesses get exposed. Yes, you learn in the NFL as a QB but you need to already be operating from a solid fundamentals platform. Work on improving and excelling in a more forgiving environment. I don’t think Dante can iron out and master all of his issues in one season.

Dante will leave after next year, yes, but I would argue two more years at Oregon will buy him a healthy second contract in the NFL which should be the overriding objective. I say that as someone who wants to see Dante succeed, not as a Ducks fan.

2 hours ago, spartan2785 said:

I seriously doubt Smith Jr. will wait 2-3 years for his chance. I know this is just how it goes, but I don't see him waiting around 2-3 years to get his shot.

He might beat out Raiola over the course of next year, but it will be a tough go considering the experience that Raiola has. Personally, I hope this is what happens.

His readiness to take over the team was most likely the reason they brought Raiola in. That, and to breed competition at the QB position. It will make them all work harder and that’s why Lanning does these types of things.