Oregon quarterback Dante Moore says he stayed in school to chase a national championship, not to avoid playing for the New York Jets.
Moore, 21, had been projected as the No. 2 pick in April’s 2026 NFL Draft behind Indiana signal-caller Fernando Mendoza. That choice belonged to the Jets, who have not been to the playoffs since 2010 and wound up selecting Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey instead.
Moore told The Athletic in a story published Tuesday that the prospect of playing for the Jets did not influence his decision to play his redshirt junior season with the Ducks in 2026.
“Not at all,” Moore said.
He told the publication that he wants to help Oregon win its first national championship and improve as a player. He also said he enjoys being in college, where NIL income helps to offset the riches awaiting him in the NFL.
“Of course there was $50 million on the line, a lot to help support my family, but at the end of the day, I don’t play the game for money,” Moore said, referring to the value of the NFL contract he passed up. “I play the game to tell myself I’ve got a lot to improve. I had a chance to come back and learn more. So when I take that next step next year, I’ll be more prepared for those moments in my life.”
Moore’s agent, Brandon Grier, said his client only has 20 career starts at the college level and wants to get better to ensure he receives the all-important second NFL contract.
“He didn’t want to let $50 million get in the way of $600 million,” Grier told The Athletic.
Moore said NFL coaches and scouts have told him to improve his pre-snap reads and to be 100% confident on where he is throwing the football.
The 6-foot-3, 206-pound Moore guided the Ducks to a 13-2 record in his first season as the starter in Eugene in 2025, completing 71.8% of his passes for 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Oregon opens the season at home against Boise State on Sept. 5.
–Field Level Media
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