Pete Thamel of ESPN polled 20 NFL scouts to see who they projected as the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft, and Dante Moore's name wasn't mentioned once.
Eight of the scouts named LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina as the likely No. 1 pick, with LSU's Garrett Nussmeier second, the choice of seven. Miami's Carson Beck (3), Oklahoma's John Mateer (3), Penn State's Drew Allar (2), Arizona State's Sam Leavitt (1) and Texas' Arch Manning (1).received votes, but Moore wasn't mentioned once.
In Oregon's 3-0 start, the 6-3, 210 quarterback from Detroit, Michigan has completed 78 percent of his passes for 657 yards and seven touchdowns, displaying arm talent, pocket awareness and decision-making while making one turnover-worthy throw in 64 passes.
NFL teams typically don't begin their evaluations in earnest until after the season. One general manager told Thamel, "Much like last year,, it's hard to pick this early."
As a redshirt sophomore, Moore has two seasons of eligibility left at Oregon, though he could declare for the draft after this season. He has until January 15 to decide.
His stock could take a big jump if he outduels Allar in the Penn State White Out environment in front of 106,000 fans, taking on a defense that ranks No.. 3 in the country in scoring and fourth in yards per play.
The Ducks are a 33.5-point favorite today at noon against 0-3 Oregon State. The Beavers have just two sacks all season and their pass defense ranks 129th in opponent passer rating while surrendering 278 yards a game.
Dante Moore might be the best QB in the 2026 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/i82g8amOw0
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 18, 2025
Currently there are four Oregon quarterbacks in the NFL and with Jayden Daniels out with an injury, three will start this weekend as Marcus Mariota takes over for the Commanders. Justin Herbert and Bo Nix square off against each other on Sunday in Los Angeles.