Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore had the opportunity to extend his college career for one more game and end his 2025 campaign on the highest of notes. Instead, the College Football Playoff semifinal went sideways. Moore and an overmatched Oregon team fumbled away a chance at a championship.
Moore had the worst game of his Oregon career at the worst possible time, denting his draft stock and making his looming decision all the more intriguing.
It isn't immediately clear what Moore will choose before the January 14 deadline. But the Ducks are in an arms race, and Dan Lanning's ability to convince others to return could impact Moore's decision.
Oregon returns another stud
It's commonplace for teams to lose talent to the transfer portal after getting embarrassed on the national stage. Backed by pedigree and perpetual championship aspirations, Oregon is only getting stronger.
Star safety Koi Perich is en route from Minnesota, and quarterback Dylan Railoa is taking his talents to Eugene, offering insurance and upside under center. What might matter more to the latter's predecessor could be the talent returning to Oregon.
Lanning was able to convince edge rusher Matayo Uigalelei and defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington to run it back in 2026. Both were projected top-75 picks, with Washington getting first-round hype later in the cycle because of his potential as a pass rusher.
While tight end Kenyon Sadiq is off to the greener pastures of the NFL, his partner in crime will give Moore another reason to stay. Jamari Johnson, another top-100 prospect, announced his return ahead of the Wednesday deadline.
Johnson, at 6'5", 257 pounds, is the more versatile of Oregon's dynamic tight end duo. He lined up in-line more often and is an easier projection as a blocker, while retaining plenty of skill as a receiver. His 510 receiving yards ranked fourth on the Ducks, and he has intriguing enough tools to take on more at the next level.
A portion of evaluators would have preferred Johnson over Sadiq in this class. Next year, he'll be the preseason favorite to be TE1.
As for Moore, the pot continues to sweeten. The Ducks will once again join Ohio State as playoff hopefuls, and there is real value in gaining experience before the rookie-contract clock begins. He can be one of the sport's highest-paid players, compete for a Heisman (and championship), and remain a top-five pick by April 2027. Continuity helps his cause, as does extra starts removing the inexperienced tag from his profile. With a big season, Moore could reasonably be the No. 1 pick.
MORE: Is Dante Moore going to the NFL Draft?
However, Oregon's reload likely has more to do with Raiola than Moore. For all the promises Lanning can make to his returning stars, improving Moore's draft stock is a hard sell. In a bad quarterback class, he's the favorite to go second overall -- a likely top-10 selection, despite the red flags.
Moore is about to make tens of millions of dollars. If he's even average over the next half-decade, he'll comfortably make nine figures on a second contract. That puts Oregon's offer to shame.
Waiting to declare also puts Moore in a better quarterback class. Between Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, DJ Lagway, and CJ Bailey, there is plenty of talent for teams to choose from. Regressing in any capacity could cost Moore millions, negating the NIL check coming his way if he returns.
Moore might not be ready for the pros. But if his goal is to play on Sundays, he won't have a more secure shot than the 2026 NFL Draft.
I don't know Moore's priorities, and Oregon's talent retention is certainly a pull factor. Even so, as the hours tick toward his deadline, it's hard to believe that any college football phenom will be the deciding factor in Moore's decision.
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