Analyst Reveals Case For Dante Moore Over Fernando Mendoza in NFL Draft

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has big decision ahead of him this offseason. Moore is considered to be one of the top quarterbacks selected if he were to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Could he go as high as No. 1 overall?

Nov 22, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) walks off the field after the game against the Southern California Trojans at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has yet to make a decision on if he will or won’t declare for the 2026 NFL Draft. The current focus for Moore and the Ducks is their upcoming College Football Playoff matchup against the James Madison Dukes on Saturday, Dec. 20. 

If Moore were to put his name in the draft, how high could he be selected?

Jordan Rodgers on Dante Moore: "Has More Upside Than Fernando Mendoza"

Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs off the field after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Former Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback and football commentator Jordan Rodgers went on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Friday and spoke about Oregon’s Dante Moore. Rodgers is also the younger brother of current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Despite Dante Moore only being 20 years old with 17 career college starts, his name is towards the top of NFL Draft boards. Rodgers believes that Moore can go as high as No. 1 overall. 

“I think he absolutely can (be No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft)…He has more upside than Fernando Mendoza. I love Mendoza, but the mobility of Dante Moore and also the fluid throwing motion,” Rodgers said. “He’s the most natural thrower in this entire draft class.”

Dec 13, 2025; New York, NY, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza poses for photos with the Heisman trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the award. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The favorite to go No. 1 overall right now is Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with odds of -165 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Mendoza won the 2025 Heisman Trophy and has his Indiana team ranked No. 1 in the playoff. Moore currently has odds of +320 to go No. 1. If that were to change, Moore will have to play extremely well in the playoff. 

“If he plays well and they get on a run, he can absolutely play himself into that position as QB1,” Rodgers said. “That QB1 in top 10 picks; it’s off upside, not floor. Mendoza has a better floor. Moore has a much bigger upside in my opinion.”

Rodgers' case for Moore going No. 1 overall is that his ceiling is higher than Mendoza.

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Big Decision Looming For Dante Moore

Sep 20, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) warms up before the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

In 12 games this season for Oregon, Moore has thrown for 2,733 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Moore didn’t see much playing time last season with the Ducks as he sat behind Dillon Gabriel, but he has taken advantage of the opportunity in 2025. 

Prior to this season, Moore had very limited experience. As a freshman as UCLA, the former five-star high school recruit started five games but struggled. He ended up transferring to Oregon that offseason. It looks like that was the right decision. 

Nov 29, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Moore will have another decision to make at the end of this season; to stay at Oregon for another year or enter the draft. If he were to leave, he would be one of the first players taken off the board. The flip side is if he doesn’t think he’s ready, going to the NFL after such limited time playing in college could end up hurting in the long run even if the guaranteed money is substantial.

If Moore returns to college, he can develop his game even more and build up more experience. 

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