Dante Moore makes a powerful statement, announcing draft decision

When Dante Moore announced his decision this morning on ESPN SportsCenter with host Christine Williamson, he spoke quietly and thoughtfully.

"First things first, I have to give glory to God for letting me on this platform I am, for the blessings He's given me. This past year was a year I'll remember for the rest of my life," Moore said.

"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 told Willamson. "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."

A redshirt junior next season, Moore postponed a lucrative payday in the NFL draft to return for another season of development. Last year's No. 2 pick Travis Hunter signed a $46.6 million contract with a $30.6 million signing bonus.

Instead, Moore will be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in college football with the program paying for a large insurance policy to protect his future earnings, as allowed by the NCAA.

After his freshman year at UCLA, a season redshirting behind Dillon Gabriel and his sophomore season with the Ducks, Moore has 20 college starts. He's shown off a pro-level arm with big throws to beat Iowa, USC and Texas Tech, but also recognized a need to refine his game and pocket presence.

Although the team retains a nucleus of leaders with NFL talent who joined him, teammates Dillon Thieneman and Kenyon Sadiq declared for the draft in the past 24 hours. The Ducks got top portal prospect Koi Perich to replace Thieneman on Monday.

The tight end position is in good hands with dynamic playmaker Jamari Johnson announcing his return Tuesday, plus the Ducks adding five-star 2026 recruit Kendre Harrison from Reidsville, North Carolina and 5-star Alexander Olesh, a transfer from Penn State.

Now the team needs a pro prospect at left tackle and a green dot linebacker to complete the lineup.