Dante Moore Talks Mindset on 2026 NFL Draft Status After Oregon's CFP Loss to Indiana

In the high-profile matchup between arguably the top two quarterbacks eligible for the 2026 NFL draft, Fernando Mendoza scored a huge win over Dante Moore with Indiana's 56-22 victory against Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Moore declined to say if he would declare for the draft or return to Oregon next season.

"I knew that question was coming," Moore said. "Yeah, I'm going to soak this moment up. That's most important, just giving hugs and just thank-you's to my teammates. But at the end of the day, I mean, I don't know my decision yet."

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Moore committed three turnovers in the loss, including a pick-six on the first offensive play of the game. One of the turnovers wasn't his fault because the ball was knocked loose when running back Dierre Hill Jr. accidentally hit his arm as he was winding up to throw.

There was speculation earlier in the season that Moore would return to Oregon in 2026, but The Athletic's Dane Brugler reported on Dec. 21 that feeling has "started to shift" as the 20-year-old has received more consideration as the No. 1 overall pick.

B/R's NFL scouting department has Moore projected to be the No. 2 pick to the New York Jets in its most recent mock draft.

Mendoza's performance in the College Football Playoff could go a long way toward solidifying his status as the top pick, making Moore's decision arguably the most important for the upcoming draft because this isn't considered a strong quarterback class.

Alabama's Ty Simpson is the third-ranked quarterback, but he is regarded as a late-first talent.

Even though Moore had a bad day in a high-profile game, it doesn't define what type of quarterback he will be going forward. He just has to decide if his immediate future will be returning to Oregon or going to the NFL.