The New York Jets must change their draft plans after hearing Dante Moore’s game-changing announcement.
Dante Moore Makes Decision for 2026
Moore, one of the top two quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, will return to Oregon for the 2026 season.
“With this decision, mainly all my life has just been about being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into,” Moore announced on Thursday. “With my decision, it’s been very tough. I’ve prayed a lot about it, talked to many people — my mentors and people I look up to. With that being said, of course, I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/2011523141529391171
Moore announced his decision on Wednesday, the deadline for underclassmen not in the College Football Playoff Championship to declare for the draft.
Moore is coming off a stellar sophomore season for the Oregon Ducks. Moore became one of the nation’s top passers, finishing with 3,280 yards, 28 touchdowns, and nine interceptions with a completion percentage of 73%.
Last week, Oregon’s season came to a close with a 56-22 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Moore looked overmatched against the Hoosiers, losing two fumbles and throwing two interceptions.
Meanwhile, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, the projected No. 1 pick in the draft, dominated in the victory — 17 of 20 for 177 yards and five touchdowns.
Mendoza was No. 1 on most draft boards before the game. With Moore going back to Oregon, the Las Vegas Raiders will certainly take Mendoza with the first pick if they go quarterback.
Returning to school also has financial ramifications. While Moore can make money through NIL, he is passing up an opportunity to make around $50 million guaranteed if drafted second.
Jets Must Change Draft Plans
The New York Jets need a quarterback. In a two-quarterback draft, the Jets believed they would get either Mendoza or Moore, depending on who went first.
Moore is off the table, meaning the Jets must adjust their draft strategy, especially if they want a quarterback.
It’s unlikely the Jets take a quarterback with the second pick. New York also holds the No. 16 pick in the draft. Could the Jets take a quarterback with their second first-round pick? Absolutely.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson is now behind Mendoza on most big boards. If Ole Miss’ Trindad Chambliss declares for the NFL, he will certainly generate buzz.
Are Simpson and Chambliss first-round picks? It’s unclear. Moore’s return increases the likelihood that Simpson or Chambliss will now go in the first round.
It’s back to the drawing board for the Jets.