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The 2026 NFL Draft now looks even more unappealing at the most important position.
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, who ranks seventh in the FBS in completion percentage (71.4 percent) after 10 weeks, is considered one of the better prospects in a class that is weak at the position. He’s reportedly planning to stay in school.
Longtime draft analyst Todd McShay says Dante Moore won’t enter 2026 draft
On a Thursday episode of his podcast with The Ringer, McShay said a scout told him to “book it” as far as the 6-foot-3, 206-pounder staying with the Ducks. The draft guru added Moore’s parents, the QB’s agent and Oregon’s coaching staff are in “lockstep” that he will be back for the 2026 season.
That may be the best decision for Moore, who has attempted just 424 passes in three seasons with the UCLA Bruins and Oregon. Still, QB-needy teams (New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders) should be disappointed he’s planning on playing one more season of college football.
Dante Moore’s decision leaves teams with fewer QB options in 2026 draft
On its updated big board, Tankathon lists three QBs within its top-15 prospects: Moore, Fernando Mendoza (Indiana Hoosiers) and Ty Simpson (Alabama Crimson Tide). Like Moore, Simpson, a first-year starter, could return to school for the 2026 season.
If the 6-foot-2, 208-pound QB doesn’t declare for the draft, that could clear the way for Mendoza, who ranks second in the FBS in touchdown passes (25), to be a top-five pick. Tankathon’s latest mock draft has the New Orleans Saints taking the 6-foot-5, 225-pound passer with pick No. 1.
There aren’t many other QBs who look like future NFL starters in the class. South Carolina Gamecocks QB LaNorris Sellers (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) has room to grow as a passer. He ranks 14th among 21 eligible SEC QBs in completion percentage (61.7 percent).
Teams could take a flier on Oklahoma Sooners QB John Mateer (6-foot-1, 224 pounds), but he lacks prototypical size, which could impact his durability. He broke his right thumb in a 24-17 win over the Auburn Tigers in September.
Instead of reaching for a QB, teams could hope Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray becomes available this offseason. His future with the team could be in question after it placed him on injured reserve due to a foot injury.
Just two QBs, Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans and Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants, were selected in the first round in 2025. With Moore likely staying in school, the 2026 class could be just as thin at the position.
