If you’ve been keeping tabs on the Oregon Ducks lately, you know that the quarterback room in Eugene moves faster than a Chip Kelly offense on 2x speed. One day we’re talking about Heisman records, and the next, we’re wondering if a projected top-five NFL pick is actually sticking around.
So, who is the Oregon quarterback right now?
Dante Moore is the man under center for the Oregon Ducks.
In a move that basically sent shockwaves through the scouting community and gave Oregon fans a massive collective sigh of relief, Moore officially announced on January 14, 2026, that he is forgoing the NFL Draft to return for his junior season. Honestly, it’s the kind of news that changes the entire landscape of the Big Ten for 2026.
The Dante Moore Era: Why He’s Staying
Most people expected Moore to bolt for the pros. Why wouldn't he? He was a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper even had him ranked as the No. 2 overall player in the entire class, just behind Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
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But after a 13-2 season that ended with a rough 56-22 loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Moore decided he had unfinished business.
"I feel like coming back is the best thing for me to make sure that when that day does happen, I'm fully prepared," Moore said during his announcement on SportsCenter.
It’s rare to see a guy with a first-round grade—someone compared to the Houston Texans’ C.J. Stroud for his "needle-threading" arm talent—decide to take another year of college hits. But for Oregon, it means they finally have that elusive year-to-year consistency at the most important position on the field.
By the Numbers: Moore’s 2025 Breakdown
Moore didn't just inherit the job after Dillon Gabriel left for the Cleveland Browns; he dominated. Here’s a quick look at what the Detroit native did in his first full year as the Ducks' starter:
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- Passing Yards: 3,565
- Touchdowns: 30
- Interceptions: 10
- Completion Percentage: 71.8%
- Total Offense: 3,721 yards
He was efficient, ranking third nationally in completion percentage. He did all this while dealing with a rotating door of injuries to his top targets, including Evan Stewart and Gary Bryant Jr. The kid is tough. He’s 6-foot-3, 206 pounds, and while he’s not a "run-first" guy, he’s mobile enough to keep plays alive when the pocket breaks down.
The "Raiola" in the Room
If you think the drama stops with Moore, you haven't been following Dan Lanning's recruiting. Just days before Moore announced his return, former five-star phenom Dylan Raiola committed to Oregon after transferring from Nebraska.
It’s an "embarrassment of riches" situation.
Raiola, who is coming off a season-ending leg injury, is expected to redshirt in 2026. Basically, he’ll spend the year learning the system, acting as the high-level backup, and preparing to take the reins in 2027 once Moore finally heads to the NFL. It’s a similar path to what Moore did himself in 2024 when he sat behind Dillon Gabriel.
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Moore’s take on the new addition was pretty classy: "I want to make sure that I give him my ideas, my thoughts that Dillon [Gabriel] gave me."
The Rest of the Depth Chart
Oregon’s QB room isn't just a two-man show. It’s actually one of the deepest groups in the country.
- Akili Smith Jr.: The legacy. Son of Ducks legend Akili Smith, he’s a massive 6-foot-5 presence who redshirted in 2025. He’s got one of the highest ceilings in the room and represents the future along with Raiola.
- Luke Moga: A redshirt freshman who provides that lightning-quick "burn" factor if the Ducks ever want to go with a more run-heavy look.
- Austin Novosad: A veteran presence who has been in the system and understands the "Will Stein" offense inside and out, even as Stein departs for the Kentucky head coaching job.
What This Means for Oregon in 2026
With Moore back, the Ducks are an instant national title favorite. They are returning almost their entire defensive line—guys like Matayo Uiagalelei and Bear Alexander—and they have a quarterback who already has 20 career starts under his belt.
The main challenge? A new offensive coordinator. With Will Stein gone, Moore will have to adapt to a new play-caller, though the word around Eugene is that the Ducks will likely hire internally or bring in someone who runs a very similar "pro-spread" system.
Consistency is a luxury in college football. Since Bo Nix left, Oregon has been searching for a multi-year starter to anchor the program. They’ve finally found him.
Actionable Insights for Ducks Fans
- Watch the Spring Game: Keep a close eye on Dylan Raiola’s mobility. Since he’s coming off a leg injury, his health is the only thing that could shake up the depth chart.
- Monitor the WR Portal: With Kenyon Sadiq off to the NFL, look for Oregon to be aggressive in the transfer portal to find Moore a new elite tight end or a vertical threat.
- Expect High Heisman Odds: Place your bets early if you're into that; Moore will likely open as a top-three favorite for the 2026 Heisman Trophy now that he's officially returning.
- Track the OC Hire: The chemistry between Moore and the new offensive coordinator will be the single biggest factor in whether Oregon can finally get past that CFP semifinal hurdle.