Dante Moore isn't leaving.
Seriously. After a 2025 season that felt like a caffeine-fueled roller coaster, the kid is staying in Eugene for 2026. Most of the national media already had him fitted for a New York Jets jersey, assuming he’d bolt for the NFL draft. But he stood on the SportsCenter set just a few days ago and told the world he’s got unfinished business.
It’s kind of wild when you think about the pressure cooker that is the Oregon Ducks quarterback room. This isn't just a position; it’s a high-stakes legacy.
The Dante Moore Gamble and the 2026 Outlook
Honestly, the 2025 season was a trip. Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Ducks to a 13-2 record and a Big Ten title. But then the Peach Bowl happened. Losing 56-22 to Indiana in the playoff semifinal was a gut punch. Moore had three turnovers in the first half alone. It was messy.
You’ve probably heard people say he’s "not ready" for the league because of those mistakes. Maybe. But Dan Lanning doesn't care about the noise. He wants the guy who won 13 games.
Now, the 2026 roster is looking like a video game. Moore is returning to a huddle that includes 5-star wideouts Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan. Evan Stewart is also coming back after that brutal patella injury kept him out of the 2025 season. Basically, if Dante doesn't put up Heisman numbers this year, it won't be for a lack of weapons.
The Elephant in the Room: Dylan Raiola
Wait, it gets crazier.
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Just as Dante Moore was announcing his return, former Nebraska star Dylan Raiola decided to transfer to Oregon.
You read that right.
Oregon now has two of the most talented signal-callers in the country in the same room. The current word is that Raiola might redshirt or sit for 2026 to prep for a 2027 takeover. It’s a bold strategy. Most quarterbacks with Raiola's pedigree don't like to wait, but the NIL era has changed the math. Having an elite backup isn't a luxury anymore; it's a requirement if you want to survive a 16-game season.
Why the U of Oregon Quarterbacks Always Feel Different
Oregon doesn't just "play" football; they brand it. Ever since Akili Smith was lighting people up in the late 90s, the Ducks have looked for a specific type of guy.
They want the "it" factor.
Think about the lineage:
- Joey Harrington: The "Joey Heisman" billboard in Times Square.
- Marcus Mariota: The gold standard. 2014 Heisman winner. Total class act.
- Justin Herbert: The local kid with a rocket arm who people weirdly doubted.
- Bo Nix: The guy who resurrected his career in Eugene and became the most accurate passer in college history.
Dillon Gabriel kept that momentum going in 2024. He finished his career at Oregon as the FBS all-time leader in total touchdowns (189). People sort of took him for granted because he was a "transfer," but his 3,857 yards in 2024 were the reason Oregon successfully transitioned into the Big Ten.
The standard isn't just winning; it's being spectacular while doing it.
The Legacy Kid: Akili Smith Jr.
If you’re a real Ducks fan, the name Akili Smith Jr. hits different.
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His dad was the third overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. Now, "Junior" is on campus as a freshman. He’s 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, and looks exactly like his old man. He redshirted in 2025, which was smart. He’s a "pure pocket guy" with massive upside, but he’s still smoothing out the mechanics.
Most people expect him to be the face of the program by 2027 or 2028. It’s a lot of weight to carry, especially when your dad’s jersey is essentially part of the stadium's DNA. But from what we’ve seen in practice, the kid has the temperament to handle it. He’s not trying to be his father; he’s trying to be the next great Oregon quarterback.
The Depth Chart Reality Check
It's easy to get lost in the stars and the hype.
Right now, the room is packed:
- Dante Moore (Junior): The undisputed starter.
- Dylan Raiola (Junior): The high-end insurance policy/future starter.
- Brock Thomas (Junior): The reliable local guy from Sheldon High who knows the system inside and out.
- Akili Smith Jr. (Freshman): The legacy project.
The weird part? Usually, a room this talented would see three guys leave for the transfer portal immediately. But Dan Lanning has built a culture where guys actually seem to want to stay and compete. Or maybe the NIL deals are just that good. Either way, Oregon is the only team in the country that could lose a starter and not miss a single beat in the playoff race.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Oregon QBs
There’s this annoying narrative that Oregon quarterbacks are "system players."
Critics love to say that the Blur offense or Will Stein’s current scheme does all the work. They point to Marcus Mariota’s NFL struggles or the fact that Bo Nix needed five years to peak.
That’s a lazy take.
Look at Justin Herbert. He was "system-ed" to death in scouts' reports, then went to the Chargers and immediately became one of the best in the world. The Oregon system doesn't hide flaws; it maximizes efficiency. If you can’t make the right read in three seconds, you won't play for Lanning. Period.
Moving Forward: What to Watch For
If you're following the Ducks this season, keep your eyes on the first three games. Dante Moore needs to show he can take care of the ball better than he did in the Peach Bowl.
If he struggles early, the "Put in Raiola" chants will start in Autzen Stadium. It's inevitable. That’s the price of having a loaded roster.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Analysts:
- Track the Completion Percentage: Oregon’s offense relies on the "layup" throws. If Moore is under 68%, something is wrong with the timing.
- Watch the Helmet Stickers: Oregon often rotates backups in early during blowouts. Watch how Akili Smith Jr. looks in garbage time; his footwork tells you more than his arm.
- Follow the OC Transition: With Will Stein heading to Kentucky, the new offensive coordinator’s relationship with Moore is the most important factor for the 2026 season.
The era of the "one-man show" at quarterback is over in Eugene. It’s a factory now. And right now, the factory is running at full capacity.