The Las Vegas Raiders can breathe a little easier after Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced Wednesday he will return to school for another season, bypassing the 2026 NFL draft. The decision, made before the deadline for underclassmen not playing in the College Football Playoff championship game, removes a potential top-two prospect from the draft board.
Moore, a redshirt sophomore, was widely projected as the No. 2 overall pick, which would have belonged to the New York Jets. Instead, the Raiders—who hold the No. 1 pick after winning a four-way tiebreaker—are now virtually assured of selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, provided he declares for the draft by the Jan. 23 deadline.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a 56-22 victory over Oregon in the CFP semifinals and is expected to announce his draft intentions after Monday’s championship game against Miami (Florida).
The Raiders finished 3-14, matching the records of the Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans. Las Vegas secured the top pick because its strength of schedule was the weakest among the four teams.
Had the Raiders ended up with the No. 2 pick—and Moore made the same decision—they likely would not have taken a quarterback, assuming Mendoza went first overall. The Raiders have been searching for a franchise quarterback for years.
Moore, 20, threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns this season but started only 20 college games, raising questions about his readiness for the NFL. He began his career at UCLA before transferring to Oregon, where he backed up Dillon Gabriel last season.
“When it comes to me just making my decision, of course I want to feel most prepared and what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback,” Moore said. “And with my decision, it’s been very tough. I talked to many people, my mentors, and people I just look up to.”
Oregon coach Dan Lanning had hoped Moore would return. “Dante has been exceptional,” Lanning said after the Peach Bowl loss to Indiana. “It’s gone right for us 13 times. It didn’t go right tonight. You can’t let that overshadow (the season). Every one of us has unbelievable disappointment. Learn from it.”
Moore’s decision came shortly after former Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola announced he was transferring to Oregon.
