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After making a trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals and retaining key pieces to one of the nation's most lucrative rosters, the Oregon Ducks are entering the 2026 season with a target on their back once again.
That target only got bigger when quarterback Dante Moore elected to pass on the 2026 NFL Draft in favor of another season in Eugene. By coming back, there are expectations for Moore to take another step, both in the locker room and on the field. Moore is among the favorites to lift the Heisman Trophy at the end of the season and take the Ducks back to the national championship before leaving for the next level.
Moore is one of the best players in the country, but his performances against Indiana last season have some national outlets underrating the Oregon passer. On3's Ari Wasserman ranked the top 10 players returning to college football in 2026, and Moore placed lower than what might be expected of him.
Wasserman ranked Moore No. 8 on his list of returning players. He comes in just one spot behind Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, who Moore will likely be battling with this season for both the Heisman and the right to be the top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
"Had Moore left after last season, he might have been a top-five pick in the NFL Draft," Wasserman wrote. "Instead, he opted to return to Oregon to refine his game. Remember, Moore hasn’t always done things the typical way. He transferred from UCLA to Oregon, going from starter to backup. Now he is pushing off his pro career by a year, where he’ll likely improve at managing pressure. There are few knocks on his game. He’ll be a Heisman Trophy favorite and is teaming up with elite players like tight end Jamari Johnson and wide receiver Evan Stewart. He should have an outstanding year and give Oregon more hope of getting over the hump."
Ahead of Moore on Wasserman's list are two other Big Ten stars. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith tops the list, while Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith ranks sixth. Notre Dame corner Leonard Moore placed No. 2, with Miami wideout Malachi Toney, Texas edge rusher Collin Simmons and South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart following closely behind.
Moore threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, completing 71.8% of his passes as well. Many NFL teams have circled the 2027 draft class because of talents like Moore and Manning, and some teams could tank for the chance to draft them.
Oregon is a contender to win a title because Moore is under center and arguably the best the country has to offer. Quarterback is certainly the most valuable position on the field, which raises questions about how linemen, defensive backs and receivers managed to surpass him on Wasserman's list.
After a big performance in the spring, Moore will get the opportunity to prove more people wrong when the Ducks take the field against Boise State to begin the 2026 season in September.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon QB Dante Moore ranked surprisingly low among 2026 returners
Continue reading...
That target only got bigger when quarterback Dante Moore elected to pass on the 2026 NFL Draft in favor of another season in Eugene. By coming back, there are expectations for Moore to take another step, both in the locker room and on the field. Moore is among the favorites to lift the Heisman Trophy at the end of the season and take the Ducks back to the national championship before leaving for the next level.
Moore is one of the best players in the country, but his performances against Indiana last season have some national outlets underrating the Oregon passer. On3's Ari Wasserman ranked the top 10 players returning to college football in 2026, and Moore placed lower than what might be expected of him.
Wasserman ranked Moore No. 8 on his list of returning players. He comes in just one spot behind Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, who Moore will likely be battling with this season for both the Heisman and the right to be the top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
"Had Moore left after last season, he might have been a top-five pick in the NFL Draft," Wasserman wrote. "Instead, he opted to return to Oregon to refine his game. Remember, Moore hasn’t always done things the typical way. He transferred from UCLA to Oregon, going from starter to backup. Now he is pushing off his pro career by a year, where he’ll likely improve at managing pressure. There are few knocks on his game. He’ll be a Heisman Trophy favorite and is teaming up with elite players like tight end Jamari Johnson and wide receiver Evan Stewart. He should have an outstanding year and give Oregon more hope of getting over the hump."
Ahead of Moore on Wasserman's list are two other Big Ten stars. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith tops the list, while Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith ranks sixth. Notre Dame corner Leonard Moore placed No. 2, with Miami wideout Malachi Toney, Texas edge rusher Collin Simmons and South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart following closely behind.
Moore threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, completing 71.8% of his passes as well. Many NFL teams have circled the 2027 draft class because of talents like Moore and Manning, and some teams could tank for the chance to draft them.
Oregon is a contender to win a title because Moore is under center and arguably the best the country has to offer. Quarterback is certainly the most valuable position on the field, which raises questions about how linemen, defensive backs and receivers managed to surpass him on Wasserman's list.
After a big performance in the spring, Moore will get the opportunity to prove more people wrong when the Ducks take the field against Boise State to begin the 2026 season in September.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon QB Dante Moore ranked surprisingly low among 2026 returners
Continue reading...
