Oregon QB Dante Moore Downplays NIL's Role in Draft Decision

The Ducks' star quarterback says money wasn't a factor in his choice to return to school for 2026 season.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore addressed whether Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) played a role in his decision to forgo the 2026 NFL Draft in a recent interview. Moore stated that NIL "wasn't a factor at all" and that "money doesn't play a factor with me." Instead, the quarterback said he wants to continue developing his talent at Oregon under coach Dan Lanning for one more year before entering the NFL Draft, where he is projected to be a top-2 pick.

Why it matters

Moore's decision to return to Oregon is significant, as he was widely expected to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft and potentially be the first or second overall pick. His choice to stay in college for another season shows he is focused on improving his game rather than immediately cashing in on his NFL potential and NIL value.

The details

Moore had a breakout 2025 season, leading the Ducks to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance. He finished the year with a 71.8% completion percentage, 3,565 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 10 interceptions. Moore also added 156 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite his success, the quarterback says he wants to continue developing his skills at Oregon, with key offensive weapons like wide receivers Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart, and tight end Jamari Johnson, also returning in 2026.

  • In January 2026, Moore announced on SportsCenter that he will be returning to Oregon for the 2026 season.

The players

Dante Moore

The star quarterback for the Oregon Ducks who was projected to be a top-2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but has decided to return to school for one more season.

Dan Lanning

The head coach of the Oregon Ducks, who will have Moore for one more year as the quarterback continues to develop his skills.

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What they’re saying

“No, [NIL] wasn't a factor at all. I mean, you have $55 million guaranteed in the NFL as the second pick overall. Money doesn't play a factor with me.”

— Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks Quarterback

“I mean, if it was money, I would've been in the NFL by now. More of it was just getting my talent as best as possible.”

— Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks Quarterback

What’s next

Moore will look to build on his strong 2025 season and lead the Oregon Ducks to a potential national championship in 2026 before declaring for the NFL Draft, where he is expected to be a top pick.

The takeaway

Dante Moore's decision to return to Oregon for one more season shows his focus is on continuing to develop his skills rather than immediately cashing in on his NFL potential and NIL value. This demonstrates his maturity and commitment to becoming the best quarterback he can be before taking the next step to the professional level.