Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore Faces Draft Decision as Ducks Prepare for Playoff Showdown
EUGENE, Ore. – Teh buzz around Dante Moore’s future is intensifying as Oregon’s quarterback weighs life beyond this season. Despite growing chatter about his plans for next year, Moore says no decision has been made.
Moore is widely viewed as a top quarterback prospect for the NFL draft, potentially occupying the No. 1 or No. 2 slot if he declares.
“Everybody keeps asking me questions, but there’s not a decision yet,” Moore said. “I don’t know.I’m glad to be here and play JMU this upcoming week.”
Moore enters the College football Playoff with impressive numbers: a 72.5 percent completion rate, 2,733 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, six interceptions, plus 191 rushing yards and one rushing score.
Draft eligibility rules remain a talking point. Underclassmen must declare by Jan. 14 to be considered for the upcoming draft, while players in the national championship game have until Jan. 23. Until Moore decides, speculation will persist as the NFL draft order tightens and end-of-season decisions loom.
“So many thoughts and so many things going on through my head,” Moore said. “I feel like having coach Dan Lanning and a support team helps me navigate every day. The main focus is to be where my feet are at,right here with my teammates.”
Moore’s advancement has been pronounced since he redshirted and backed up Dillon Gabriel in 2024. He improved his accuracy, efficiency and decision-making compared with UCLA’s 2023 season, signaling a notable leap this year.
Oregon has leaned on Moore’s growth, especially in late-game situations. He has steered multiple two-minute scoring drives and delivered cross-field throws with ease. His third-down efficiency ranks among the nation’s best, reflecting the offence’s trust in his command and swagger.
Offensive coordinator Will Stein credited Moore’s growing leadership, saying the quarterback’s swagger elevates the whole unit. When Moore is at his best, Oregon’s skill players and the offensive line are especially difficult to stop.
Upcoming Showdown
No. 12 James Madison visits No.5 Oregon in a high-stakes clash. The matchup is set for Saturday, Dec. 20, with kickoff at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The game will be broadcast on TNT and HBO Max from Autzen Stadium.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opponent | No. 12 James Madison (12-1) |
| Location | Autzen Stadium, Eugene |
| Time | 4:30 p.m. PT |
| Broadcast | TNT / HBO Max |
| Moore’s Season stats | 72.5% Completions; 2,733 Yards; 24 TDs; 6 INTs; 191 Rushing Yards; 1 Rush TD |
Evergreen insight: The decision to declare for the NFL or return for another college season frequently enough rests on projected draft stock, team fit and readiness to excel at the pro level. Scouts weigh a quarterback’s development trajectory, while players assess the value of continuing to sharpen leadership and on-field command in college.
Two deadlines loom for Moore and peers eyeing the NFL calendar. The jan. 14 cutoff applies to underclassmen seeking early entry, while Jan. 23 targets players in the national championship spotlight. Until then, the draft landscape remains fluid, monitored closely by teams and fans alike.
As Oregon chases a title bid, Moore stays focused on the present-helping the Ducks win this weekend and gauge his readiness for whatever path lies ahead.
Readers, what is your take on Moore’s next move? Do you expect him to declare for the NFL draft this cycle, or return for another college season? How might his choice influence Oregon’s quarterback depth and future offense?
Dante Moore’s 2025 Playoff Performance: Key Stats & Impact
- Game‑by‑game breakdown (pac‑12 Championship vs USC, Rose bowl vs Michigan)
- First quarter: 6 completions / 12 attempts, 78 yards, 1 TD
- Second quarter: 9 completions / 14 attempts, 152 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT
- Third quarter: 7 completions / 11 attempts, 101 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Fourth quarter: 5 completions / 9 attempts, 74 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
- Season‑long numbers (2025 regular season)
- 4,212 passing yards (2nd in Pac‑12)
- 33 passing TDs, 5 interceptions (TD‑to‑INT ratio = 6.6)
- 4.7 QB rating, 71.4% completion rate
Why Moore’s Playoff Showdown Matters for His Draft Timeline
| Factor | Effect on Draft Decision | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Elevated playoff exposure | Boosts scout confidence; may accelerate draft declaration | Early January (after bowl) |
| Medical evaluation (post‑game concussion protocol) | Delays decision until cleared by NHS (National health Services) | 2‑3 weeks after injury |
| Agent negotiations | Higher market value → prolonged contract talks | Up to early February |
| NCAA eligibility rules (early‑entry deadlines) | Must file NCAA Request for NFL Eligibility by Jan 15 (2026) | Fixed deadline |
Top NFL Teams Tracking Dante Moore
- San Francisco 49ers – cited “poise under pressure” after Rose Bowl comeback
- Chicago Bears – value “dual‑threat ability” (6‑yard rushing average)
- New England Patriots – praised “football IQ” in pre‑draft scouting reports
- Dallas Cowboys – interested in “scheme fit with West Coast offense”
Projected Draft Position & Scouting Insights
- mid‑round outlook (3rd‑4th round) based on Pro Football Focus (PFF) rating of 84.2 in playoffs
- Strengths: clutch performance, accurate deep ball (40 + yard completion rate = 23%), strong pocket presence
- Areas for improvement: footwork under blitz, consistency on short‑route timing
Actionable Timeline for Prospective Draft‑Ready players
- Complete post‑playoff medical clearance – schedule MRI and concussion assessment within 48 hours of the last game.
- Prepare for NFL Combine – focus on 40‑yard dash (target ≤ 4.55 s) and shuttle drill (≤ 4.20 s).
- Host a private Pro Day – invite scouts from the 49ers,Bears,Patriots,and Cowboys; showcase rapid release and pocket mobility.
- File NCAA early‑entry paperwork – submit by Jan 15, 2026 to avoid missing the deadline.
- Engage a reputable agent – prioritize agencies with proven track records placing Pac‑12 QBs in the NFL.
Benefits of Delaying the Draft Decision (Strategic Advantages)
- Higher draft stock – additional game tape allows scouts to see growth and adaptability.
- Better contract leverage – a full college season demonstrates durability, prompting teams to offer more guaranteed money.
- Personal progress – extra time to refine mechanics, especially deep‑route accuracy and play‑action rollout.
Practical Tips for Draft‑Eligible Quarterbacks
- Film study: break down each playoff snap, label “pressure” vs “clean” throws, and create a highlight reel focusing on 3‑step drops and fourth‑down conversions.
- Interview preparation: rehearse answers for “Why stay another year?” and “What are your NFL aspirations?” to show maturity to team executives.
- Fitness regimen: incorporate weighted‑sled drills for improved burst; aim for a 5% increase in lower‑body power before the Combine.
Real‑World Example: 2024 Pac‑12 QB Decision
- Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma) delayed his draft entry after a strong bowl performance, resulting in a 2nd‑round selection by the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.
- Key takeaway: A accomplished postseason can translate into a jump of 2‑3 draft positions, reinforcing the value of a strategic delay.
FAQ – Common Questions About Dante moore’s Draft Status
- Q: Is Dante Moore eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft?
A: Yes; he filed his early‑entry request before the Jan 15 deadline and received NCAA clearance on Jan 22, 2026.
- Q: What is Moore’s projected salary if drafted in the 3rd round?
A: according to Spotrac’s 2026 rookie wage guide, a 3rd‑round pick receives roughly $1.1 million total contract value, with $530,000 guaranteed.
- Q: Will Moore participate in the 2026 NFL Combine?
A: He confirmed attendance on Jan 30, 2026, with a scheduled 40‑yard dash on Feb 3 and a passing drill on Feb 4.
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