Dante Moore Chooses Oregon Over $55 Million NFL Offer

WHO:

Newsweek - Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks quarterback

CBS Sports - Dan Lanning, Oregon coach; Drew Mehringer, new offensive coordinator; Teitum Tuioti, Oregon linebacker

WHAT:

CBS Sports - Dante Moore turned down a $55 million NFL contract to stay at Oregon for another year.

CBS Sports - Moore completed nearly 72% of his passes for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in the previous season.

CBS Sports - Oregon Ducks are ranked No. 3 in CBS Sports' spring top 25 and have 14 returning starters, tying for the second-most returners in the country.

CBS Sports - Moore's completion percentage improved nearly 20% from his UCLA season to when he took over as Oregon's starter in 2025.

CBS Sports - Moore is projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

WHERE:

CBS Sports - Oregon, specifically Eugene, where preseason camp will begin.

WHEN:

CBS Sports - Preseason camp will begin soon in Eugene.

CBS Sports - Moore's announcement to return to Oregon was made during Big Ten Media Days.

WHY:

CBS Sports - Moore chose to stay at Oregon to pursue a national championship instead of entering the NFL.

CBS Sports - Moore cited the high pressure of college football and his mother's breast cancer diagnosis as factors in his mental health struggles.

HOW:

CBS Sports - Moore put on nearly 17 pounds of muscle, increasing from 203 pounds to 220, with the help of head strength coach Wilson Love and dietitian Jessie Dart.

CBS Sports - New offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer worked with Moore to modify the playbook based on his preferences.

(UPDATED July 31, 2026 04:09 UTC)

Dante Moore, the talented quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, has decided to turn down a staggering $55 million NFL contract to stay at Oregon for another year, aiming for a national championship. Last season, he completed nearly 72% of his passes for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions, and he is projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. With preseason camp set to begin soon in Eugene, Moore has gained nearly 17 pounds of muscle and worked closely with new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer to tailor the playbook to his strengths.