Oregon QB Dante Moore Receives Criticism From NFC Staffer

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Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is returning to college football with the hopes that a second season of being a starter will better prepare him for the NFL. 

Moore had an opportunity to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, where he likely would have been the No. 2 or No. 3 pick behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who went to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1.

Moore had a frustrating finish to his incredible 2025 season. He didn't play his best game against Texas Tech's stout defense in the CFP quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl. He started off the CFP semifinal with a pick-6, and it didn't get much better in a 56-22 loss to Indiana.

An NFL director of scouting told Jordan Reid of ESPN that Moore needs to play better against elite defenses. Moore plays well when he's not under pressure, but needs to show NFL teams he can handle the rush.

"He's really good when he's in-rhythm and not under constant duress, but outside of Iowa and Penn State, we just didn't see that enough from him in those big matchups," the director told Reid.

"I'm glad he went back because we'll get another season of tape on him and see him in those high-leverage moments again."

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning understood what was at stake for Moore. He told Mark Schlabach of ESPN that Moore understood returning for another year would help his future longevity in the league.

"Normally, with guys in his situation, I'm saying, 'Hey, this is a no-brainer. You've got to go, right?'" Lanning said. "Becoming a first-round pick is hard enough.

"I think the one thing that was different is that if you look at the quarterbacks that had success in the NFL long term, how much time did they have behind center in college? How many snaps have they taken? I think he recognized it."

Moore has the opportunity to make another run for the Heisman Trophy and win a national championship at Oregon. Regardless of what happens with the Ducks this season, the lessons he's learning this year will be beneficial after he's drafted.

But how he plays this fall will determine where he's selected.

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