Oregon quarterback Dante Moore stays in college to chase national title, rejecting NFL Jets offer
Dante Moore, the 21‑year‑old quarterback of the Oregon Ducks, announced he will return for the 2026 redshirt‑junior season to pursue the program’s first national championship rather than enter the NFL. Projected as the No. 2 pick in the April 2026 NFL Draft behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the New York Jets held that slot but ultimately selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. Moore said the prospect of playing for the Jets did not influence his decision, noting he wants to improve his game and help Oregon win a title. He turned down a potential $50 million guaranteed contract, preferring to develop his skills and benefit from NIL earnings that support his family.
Moore’s agent, Brandon Grier, said the quarterback has only 20 career starts at the college level and wants to be ready for a second, larger NFL contract. In 2025, Moore guided Oregon to a 13‑2 record, completing 71.8 % of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The Ducks opened the 2026 season at home against Boise State. New offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, formerly the team’s tight‑ends coach, is rebuilding the offense around Moore, giving the quarterback a central role in the upcoming campaign.
Entities: Brandon Grier · Dante Moore · Drew Mehringer · New York Jets · Oregon Ducks · Oregon Ducks football · University of Oregon
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Oregon opened the 2026 season at home against Boise State on September 5. (Both)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Moore turned down a near $50 million guaranteed NFL contract and a top‑two draft slot to return for the 2026 college season. (Both)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In the 2025 Peach Bowl, Indiana intercepted Moore on the opening play and returned it for a touchdown in a 56‑22 loss. (d81fb52f-3920-4c10-a559-6495310c7408)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dante Moore stayed in school to pursue a national championship, not to avoid playing for the New York Jets. (Both)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] New offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer built Oregon’s 2026 offense around Moore after consulting him on the playbook. (d81fb52f-3920-4c10-a559-6495310c7408)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Moore was projected as the No. 2 pick in the April 2026 NFL Draft behind Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. (article dc807fe2-c8a3-4e34-8b52-bfc47600d4de, article 9426b9ff-fad5-499b-9957-64123e42bf4b)
- [● 2 SOURCES] In 2025 Oregon posted a 13‑2 record with Moore completing 71.8% of passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. (Both)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The New York Jets selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey in the 2026 NFL Draft. (Both)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Moore could have earned about $50 million in guaranteed NFL contract money, which he passed up. (article dc807fe2-c8a3-4e34-8b52-bfc47600d4de, article 9426b9ff-fad5-499b-9957-64123e42bf4b)
- [● 2 SOURCES] In 2025 Oregon finished 13‑2; Moore completed 71.8 % of passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. (article dc807fe2-c8a3-4e34-8b52-bfc47600d4de, article 9426b9ff-fad5-499b-9957-64123e42bf4b)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Moore’s agent is Brandon Grier, who said Moore has only 20 career starts at the college level. (article dc807fe2-c8a3-4e34-8b52-bfc47600d4de, article 9426b9ff-fad5-499b-9957-64123e42bf4b)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] New offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer is rebuilding Oregon’s 2026 offense around quarterback Dante Moore. (article d81fb52f-3920-4c10-a559-6495310c7408)