Dante Moore to Return as Oregon Quarterback in 2026
Dante Moore, quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, has decided to remain in Eugene for the 2026 season instead of entering the NFL draft. He made this announcement during an ESPN segment, expressing his desire to continue pursuing a national championship with his team.
Dante Moore’s Performance at Oregon
This past season, Moore showcased impressive statistics, completing 71.8% of his passes for a total of 3,565 yards. He also threw 30 touchdowns and recorded 10 interceptions. Additionally, he contributed on the ground, rushing for 156 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Experience and Growth
Despite his standout performance, Moore has recorded only 20 starts in his collegiate career. He had five starts at UCLA in 2023 before transferring to Oregon, where he started 15 games this season. Before becoming a starter, he served as a backup at Oregon in 2024.
- Collegiate Starts: 20
- Touchdowns: 30
- Interceptions: 10
- Rushing Yards: 156
Reflecting on his journey, Moore acknowledged the influence of veteran players like Dillon Gabriel, stating, “I learned from him; he was a veteran quarterback.” He emphasized his eagerness to improve further and help his team achieve greater success.
Return of Key Players
Moore’s decision to stay is part of a broader trend at Oregon, as he is the sixth player to announce his return for the next season. Other notable returning players include:
- Bear Alexander – Defensive Tackle
- A’Mauri Washington – Defensive Tackle
- Iapani Laloulu – Center
- Teitum Tuioti – Outside Linebacker
- Matayo Uiagalelei – Outside Linebacker
With Moore and other key contributors returning, Oregon is projected to have 74 scholarship players for the upcoming season. The Ducks are now positioned to build on their momentum and aim for a strong showing in 2026.
