After just two seasons as a starting QB, everyone in the NFL wants Dante Moore. Moore is yet to announce his plans for 2026, but he has performed well enough to go as a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. However, the interested teams might face a roadblock in the coming weeks.

According to Pete Thamel, Moore and Oregon are not so keen on parting ways.“I think everyone just slots him in the mock drafts at one or two and just assumes that’s going to happen. I’m not telling you it’s not, but there is a feeling at Oregon that he could stay,” Thamel said on the Pat McAfee Show on January 2.

“I’m not telling he’s definitely coming back, but I do think that’s there on the table.”

Moore told the media before the Orange Bowl that he had made “no decision” on his career in the NFL. But he has performed well enough to be a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. With a career total of nearly 5,000 yards and 39 TDs, it’s no wonder that the Oregon QB is one of the most in-demand prospects. Plus, he’s led the Ducks through a nearly perfect season and defeated Texas Tech in the quarterfinals.

However, the make-or-break factor for him in the NFL will be his experience as a starter. Moore has started in only 18 games in his career, which should be a concerning factor for interested franchises.

Of course, teams may also plan to replicate his Oregon career by keeping Dante Moore on the bench for some time. But Moore has the time, and should ideally use it to play one more season and remain active. It’ll only end up bolstering his odds for wherever he decides to go pro. Moore is likely to uphold Lanning’s advice as he navigates this dilemma. He shared a really good bond with the coach, without which he wouldn’t have chosen to redshirt a season. Moore chose to do so despite being one of the top recruits of the 2023 cycle.

His return is important to Oregon because of the growth they get to build on for next season. Moore has already exceeded expectations by bringing in 3,280 yards this season. His 28 TDs are tied for the 9th-highest in the FBS. If he returns for the next season, he can very well situate himself among the top 10 in the country across all the important stats. But in case he does see the NFL as the better choice, Dan Lanning might replace Moore with yet another top QB.

Oregon in the mix for ex-ASU star Sam Leavitt

According to On3, Oregon has emerged as a top program pushing for former ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt. He is the top QB in the portal, and would be a like-for-like replacement to Dante Moore. If Dan Lanning wins Leavitt over, he will once again have a great transfer QB running point for the season. The Sun Devils star comes with 4,652 yards and 36 TDs, along with ample experience of being a starter. Most importantly, Leavitt can also be a threat on his legs.

However, Dan Lanning will have to fight Kentucky off for the QB. The Wildcats will be hosting Leavitt along with other portal prospects, which leaves Oregon a little behind. There’s a unique overlap here because the Wildcats head coach, Will Stein, was Lanning’s offensive coordinator. Stein is no doubt an attractive name for quarterbacks, who have seen the success he’s had with Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, and Dante Moore. Leavitt, too, might be interested in being part of the same school.

Oregon will be in serious need of a quarterback if Dante Moore leaves for the NFL. Without him, the QB depth chart is massively inexperienced. Luke Moga should be the next man up, but he has seen action in just 3 games. Brock Thomas has also seen very little action. Bryson Beaver is the only QB in the Ducks’ 2026 class. Naturally, Lanning will look for a QB in the portal who is experienced and comes with a stellar record. Sam Leavitt has just what the Ducks need in such a situation.

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