Dante Moore Surprises the NFL Draft World by Choosing to Return to Oregon for Another Season, Shifting Plans for Jets and Other Teams

In a move that has thrown the NFL draft into complete disarray, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced on Wednesday that he would be returning to college for another season, opting out of the 2026 draft.

Moore, who was once thought to be a lock to be one of the top quarterbacks selected—perhaps even second overall—now seems committed to finishing his college journey with the Ducks.

His decision caught many by surprise, especially with the NFL draft only a few months away.

The Path Not Taken

Moore’s choice to stay with Oregon was a deeply personal one, and he shared the internal struggle behind it.

In a heartfelt announcement on ESPN, Moore explained that after praying and consulting with mentors, he felt it was the right time to continue his college career.

“I want to feel most prepared and what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback,” Moore said.

“It’s been very tough, but I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year.

Our goal is to become national champions.”

This move comes after an impressive season in which Moore led the Ducks to a 13-2 record and threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

A Blow to the Jets’ Plans

For the New York Jets, Moore’s decision is a major setback.

Many experts had pegged the Jets as a potential landing spot for Moore, especially with their second overall pick.

The Jets, still struggling to find a consistent quarterback, could have greatly benefitted from Moore’s talent.

In fact, Moore was expected to be one of the top players in this year’s draft, alongside Fernando Mendoza of Indiana, who remains the heavy favorite to be selected first overall.

But with Moore’s announcement, the Jets are now back to square one in terms of their QB search.

This shift could have wider implications, particularly for a team already under intense scrutiny for its poor performance in recent years.

Stephen A. Smith’s Controversial Take

Adding fuel to the fire, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith made waves with a fiery statement urging Moore to stay in college rather than risk his career with a team like the Jets.

On his show First Take, Smith called the Jets “a football atrocity” and slammed their management for being “horrible” and “straight garbage.”

He even went so far as to say he wouldn’t want his own children to play for the team.

His controversial take quickly gained traction on social media, sparking heated debates.

Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson wasn’t pleased with Smith’s comments, responding with a post on X (formerly Twitter) calling Smith a “sell out” and a “square.”

While Smith’s comments were undoubtedly harsh, they did highlight the mounting frustration surrounding the Jets, especially after a season that saw them fail to live up to expectations.

Moore’s Rise and Fall at Oregon

Moore’s journey at Oregon has been nothing short of remarkable.

After transferring from UCLA, he initially spent time backing up Dillon Gabriel before stepping into the starting role once Gabriel left for the NFL.

Despite the disappointment of Oregon’s loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinal—where Moore threw three critical turnovers in the first half—his overall performance this season cannot be overlooked.

Oregon’s head coach, Dan Lanning, was quick to defend Moore after the tough loss, acknowledging his success throughout the season and emphasizing that one bad game shouldn’t overshadow the overall achievements.

“Dante has been exceptional,” Lanning said after the 56-22 defeat to Indiana.

“It didn’t go right tonight, but that doesn’t change what he’s done for us. We can all learn from this.”

What Lies Ahead for Moore and the NFL

Moore’s decision to stay in college certainly complicates the NFL draft picture, especially for teams like the Jets, who were hoping to find a quarterback of the future in April.

However, Moore’s commitment to Oregon means he still has a year to develop and refine his skills.

Whether or not that results in a higher draft pick next year remains to be seen.

What’s clear is that his decision has sparked a renewed conversation about the pressures young athletes face when making the jump to professional sports—and how their long-term development might sometimes be best served by staying in college a little longer.

For now, Moore’s focus will be on leading the Ducks to a national championship.

As for the NFL, they’ll have to wait a bit longer to see if Moore’s future will be as bright as it once appeared.