Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 2 overall draft prospect shocks NFL by returning to school

Dante Moore has opted to return to school for another season, giving the Oregon Ducks clarity at quarterback and reshaping the top of next year’s draft board. The No. 2 overall prospect on Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board waiting until the last day to make his decision. 

Kiper discussed Moore’s status on Wednesday's episode on Get Up before he made his announcement, noting the quarterback’s immense upside.

However, he also pointed out the value of continued development. Kiper said Moore briefly held his top quarterback ranking after a standout performance at Penn State. But late-season inconsistency and injuries altered Oregon’s Playoff run.

“I kept it at 1 and 1A up until that final game,” Kiper said. “Then I changed it. The overall year was good, not great. Dante Moore next year could be phenomenal.”

The lack of experience played a role in his decision. Moore has made only 20 career college starts between Oregon and UCLA. Kiper said that total is light for an NFL transition and lines up with Moore’s own postgame assessment that more reps are needed before taking the next step.

Moore led Oregon to a 13-2 record in 2025 and a College Football Playoff appearance, throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 71.8 percent of his passes. His season ended with a 56-22 semifinal loss to Indiana Hoosiers at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

Oregon has also added Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola, providing depth as Moore returns with expectations of another leap — and a potential run at the top pick in 2027.

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