With Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks now boast 'Natty or Bust' expectations
In a few succinct words on Wednesday morning, Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore announced that he would not be entering his name in the 2026 NFL draft, and would instead return to Eugene for one more year.
Once that was announced, three very intimidating words crossed the minds of thousands of Duck fans.
That's a bold proclamation for a team that has, quite famously, never won a national championship. It has come close a handful of times, and was once again on the precipice this past year with Moore under center, but it fell short once again.
Now, with Moore passing on the chance to be a first-round pick in the NFL draft, there is a hope — nay, an expectation — that the Ducks get it done next year.
Anything short, and fans have already declared that the 2026 season will be a disappointment.
Again, that's a bold claim in January, but not wrong.
For anyone who has been paying attention, Moore's move makes sense. The Ducks' roster — young and talented — has always been building for the 2026 season. With a half-dozen or more true freshmen playing major contributing roles, another fourth-straight top-10-ranked recruiting class, and a handful of elite transfer portal players coming in to plug holes, Oregon projects, once again, to be among the most talented teams in the nation next year. If you add the entire defensive line — Matayo Uiagalelei, Teitum Tuioti, A'Mauri Washington, and Bear Alexander — returning for 2026, plus the announced return of TE Jamari Johnson, it only strengthens the case.
Now, with Moore in the fold, the Ducks are arguably the leader in the clubhouse to land former Colorado LT Jordan Seaton, the No. 1-ranked OT in the transfer portal, and a projected top-five pick in next year's draft. Should they add that massive cherry on top, it's not hard to project the Ducks will be ranked as the preseason No. 1 team in the nation when the polls come out later this winter.
Less than a week ago, Oregon got its teeth kicked in by the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff semifinal. It was the second year in a row that a Ducks' season ended in blowout fashion. Fans were rightfully upset and embarrassed.
Fast forward to today, and those same fans have a glimmer of hope burning inside once again.
A few years ago, I heard ESPN's Scott Van Pelt say something that has resonated with me and become a guiding principle that I try to live by: "Be optimistic; it costs the same." Today, following Moore's announced return, I have found myself thinking of those six words once again.
So: Natty or bust? Sure, why the hell not?
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks' 2026 expectations come into clear view with Dante Moore
