Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore announced his decision to return to college for the 2026 season rather than enter the 2026 NFL Draft. This announcement, made on January 14, 2026, during an appearance on SportsCenter, adds significant depth to the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft, particularly at the quarterback position. Moore expressed his ambition to lead Oregon to a national championship, stating, “Of course, I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year.”
Moore’s choice to stay in school has reshaped the landscape of the 2027 draft class, which now features a stronger lineup of quarterback prospects. Analysts are closely watching several key players as the draft approaches.
Top Quarterback Prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft
As the quarterback pool becomes increasingly competitive, here are five notable prospects, ranked in reverse order based on their projected draft position.
5. Josh Hoover, Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s Josh Hoover has shown promise as a potential top pick in the upcoming draft. In the 2025 season with the TCU Horned Frogs, he completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,472 yards, recording 29 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. While concerns exist regarding his height at 6-foot-2 and weight at 200 pounds, Hoover’s impressive throwing mechanics and quick release have garnered attention. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid highlighted his ability to deliver precise throws under pressure, stating, “His quick release allows him to get the ball to the perimeter with a flick of his wrist.”
4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, LaNorris Sellers is regarded as one of the most athletic quarterbacks in this class. He clocked a notable 40-yard dash time between 4.4 and 4.5 seconds in offseason testing. However, his passing statistics in the 2025 season were less impressive, as he completed only 60.8% of his passes for 2,437 yards, with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. If Sellers can enhance his passing skills this coming season, he is expected to rise significantly in the draft rankings.
3. Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks
Moore, returning for his third year with the Oregon Ducks, is taking a calculated risk. Had he declared for the 2026 draft, he likely would have been a top-three selection. Instead, he aims to solidify his status in a deeper quarterback class. In 2025, Moore completed an impressive 71.8% of his passes for 3,565 yards, leading to 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His performance helped propel the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Rob Rang of Fox Sports praised Moore, noting, “He has a snappy release, and the ball simply explodes out of his hand.”
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin has emerged as a strong contender, completing 77% of his passes for 3,610 yards, with 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in his first season as a starter. Playing alongside standout receiver Jeremiah Smith has certainly benefited him, but Sayin has proven he can handle the pressure of being a major contributor. Dane Brugler from The Athletic remarked, “It still takes a talented QB to see the field, manage the pocket and put the ball in a spot where his monster pass-catchers can make plays.”
1. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
Topping the list is Arch Manning, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 219 pounds. Despite facing high expectations early in the 2025 season, Manning rebounded strongly, leading Texas to a 10-3 record. His performance culminated in a notable 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl, where he showcased his athleticism with a 60-yard touchdown run. Manning’s pedigree as the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning adds to his allure for NFL teams. An NFL executive remarked, “He’ll be the first quarterback taken and a possible first overall pick whenever he decides to come out.”
As the 2027 NFL Draft approaches, the competition among these talented quarterbacks is set to intensify, with Moore’s decision to return to college heightening the stakes for all involved.
