The Oregon Ducks are gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, thanks to redshirt sophomore quarterback Dante Moore sticking around. His decision to stay with the team instead of jumping into the NFL Draft has big implications for both the Ducks’ dreams and Moore’s own career path.
With Moore tied for the third-highest favorite to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy, his return really cranks up the anticipation in Eugene. It feels like something special could be brewing for Oregon this year.
Dante Moore’s Return: A Game-Changer for Oregon
When Dante Moore announced he’d be back for 2026, it felt like a turning point for the Ducks. Coach Dan Lanning’s squad suddenly looks a lot more dangerous heading into what could be a defining offseason.
Moore’s return gives Oregon another shot at chasing that elusive first College Football Playoff National Championship. Last season’s tough finish in the 2025 Peach Bowl still stings, but there’s a sense of unfinished business now.
Heisman Trophy Contender
FanDuel Sportsbook has Moore tied for third-best odds to win the 2026 Heisman at +1100. That puts him among the elite, and you can feel the buzz building among Ducks fans.
Choosing to stay in college over a likely No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick by the New York Jets says a lot about Moore’s priorities. He’s clearly committed to the team and hungry for something big at Oregon.
NIL Valuation: What It Means for Moore and Oregon
Dante Moore’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuation tops Coach Lanning’s roster at a hefty $2.3 million. That’s good for No. 13 among all college athletes nationwide.
NIL valuation really shapes the modern college sports landscape, and for Moore, it’s a huge part of the story now.
Understanding NIL and Roster Value
NIL valuation is basically an estimate of what a college athlete’s name, image, and likeness are worth at any moment. It’s not the actual cash in their bank account, but a projection.
Roster value is different—it’s about what an athlete brings to their team just by being there. For Oregon, collectives like Division Street play a big role in these numbers, and that’s what drives most players’ NIL valuations.
Climbing the Rankings
Moore’s likely to crack the top 10 soon. Right now, quarterbacks Carson Beck (Miami Hurricanes), Fernando Mendoza (Indiana Hoosiers), and Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt Commodores) are just ahead of him in the NIL rankings.
But all three are expected to head to the 2026 NFL Draft, which could bump Moore up. Any new NIL deals could push his valuation even higher.
The Financial Implications of Staying in College
If Moore had gone No. 2 overall to the New York Jets, he’d be looking at rookie earnings similar to what Travis Hunter got in 2025. Hunter pulled in $7.47 million his first year, with a total contract of $41.1 million and a signing bonus over $26 million.
Those are eye-popping numbers. Moore’s skipping out on that—for now, at least—but it does leave the door open for even bigger paydays down the road if things break right.
Top NIL Valuations in College Sports
The top three NIL valuations in college sports right now are:
- Texas Longhorns junior quarterback Arch Manning – $5.3M/$2.8M
- BYU Cougars freshman forward AJ Dybansta – $4.4M/$3.6M
- Ohio State Buckeyes sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith – $4.2M
That’s the company Moore’s chasing. It’s not out of reach if things go his way this season.
Oregon’s NIL Landscape
Right behind Moore, Nebraska Cornhuskers transfer Dylan Raoila sits at $2 million/$1.8 million for NIL/roster value. That puts him at No. 25 nationally for 2026.
Here’s how the rest of Oregon’s top five stack up:
- Redshirt junior defensive lineman Bear Alexander – $976K/$932K
- Junior tight end Kenyon Sadiq – $748K/$725K
- Sophomore safety Koi Perich – $726K/$700K (Minnesota Golden Gophers transfer)
Impact on Oregon’s Recruiting
Coach Lanning’s commitment to Oregon, plus the high NIL numbers for players like Moore and Raoila, are huge draws for recruits. Let’s be honest—money talks, and so does the chance to play with top-tier talent.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season
The Ducks are heading into 2026 with a real shot at something memorable. Moore’s return and the strong NIL scene have set the stage for what could be a wild, unforgettable year in Eugene.
Transfer Portal and NFL Window
Just a heads up—the special five-day transfer portal and NFL window is happening from Jan. 20 through 24. This is only for players on national champ Indiana or runner-up Miami, since they played in the title game.
We might see even more roster shakeups and changes in those NIL valuations. College football never really sits still, does it?
If you want a deeper dive into Dante Moore’s NIL valuation and what it could mean for Oregon football, check out the [original article](https://www.si.com/college/oregon/football/dante-moore-ranks-college-football-nil-valuations-deal-oregon-football).
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