As an Oregon fan, you always want the players who give their all for the Ducks to do well in their other adventures. Having a Duck go pro is something that all fans should celebrate. However, it is okay to be slightly selfish and want to keep them to ourselves just a little longer. This is the current case with the star quarterback Dante Moore.
While this is his first year starting here at Oregon, Moore has shown that he is a true QB talent. The buzz around his name can be heard across the country, and for good reason. If he decides to leave Oregon for the NFL after this season ends (hopefully not soon), who could blame him? However, both the Ducks and Moore can benefit from him staying one more year in Eugene.
NEW: Getting it right the second time, Oregon's Dante Moore hopes the Ducks are getting it right at the right time🦆
— On3 (@On3sports) November 18, 2025
“A lot of people say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but it was for me. I knew this is where I needed to be and that this was a program that… pic.twitter.com/Wv3dBsgCFr
As mentioned before, the season is nowhere near over. The only way I see Dante declaring for the NFL draft is if Oregon achieves the storybook ending of a national title in 2025. But the scouts love the man, and for good reason. As a first-year starter for the Ducks, Moore has thrown for 2,190 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. The numbers and the eye test show he is the real deal.
If he has a first-round grade and has the chance to be a starting quarterback, that would lure almost anyone to the pros. Despite that, one more year at Oregon could be the difference in Moore's career. There is no secret that Moore has had his flaws, most of which come with inexperience. If he were to go to the draft after this season, he would be a developmental project in the NFL. Playing for the Ducks in 2026 could polish his game and set him up to be more successful as an NFL quarterback.
Dante Moore just made one of the best throws I’ve seen all year
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) November 8, 2025
To make this throw in the pouring rain with the game on the line is absolutely incredible pic.twitter.com/HNy4P4m59H
Outside of the development factor, Oregon's potential in 2026 could be enough to keep Moore around. This Ducks team is young. Most of their big contributors on both sides of the ball have played a relatively low number of college snaps. Dakorien Moore, Jordan Davison, Dierre Hill Jr., Brandon Finney Jr., Iffy Obidegwu, Aaron Flowers, and many others are either freshmen or redshirt freshmen.
Oregon's 2026 recruiting class is filled with talent. Plus, wide receiver Evan Stewart could return and be fully healthy next year. With all those names leaping into 2026, the sky is the limit. A chance at a national championship and a Heisman trophy for Moore would be very much in play. Also, with the new era of NIL, Moore could be paid more to stay in college than he would as a rookie in the NFL. With all this talk about what could be, it would be hard for Moore to want to be anywhere else other than Oregon after this year.