Jets may have been given a Dante Moore lifeline after latest coaching news

The New York Jets may need a few lucky bounces if they want to secure the chance to select Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft. Not only will they need to hope he is even available when they make their selection, but they must cross their fingers that Moore is even going to declare.

Moore, a redshirt sophomore who is in the middle of his first full season with the Ducks, has been thought of as a player who could return to school in 2026. While playing with a well-regarded offensive coordinator like Will Stein would be appealing, that future can no longer become a reality.

Stein, who helped get Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel drafted with his ultra-efficient offense, is now leaving Eugene to become the next head coach at Kentucky. Playing another season with Stein may have been quite appealing for a developing player like Moore.

However, if Stein is not going to be a Duck next season, going back to a totally new offense in a much deeper quarterback class may actually end up hurting his stock. Moore may be more likely to head into the 2026 NFL Draft, which could lead to New York selecting him.

NY Jets QB target Dante Moore may declare for NFL Draft after Oregon OC leaves

Moore started parts of his true freshman season at UCLA, but he was overwhelmed by the speed of the college game. Going to Stein was just what the football doctor ordered for Moore's career, as he helped rein in his strong arm and improve his pocket decision-making.

While there will be debates over the ceiling of these two players, Nix looks like a long-term starter in Denver, and Gabriel should be a solid long-term backup. If Stein has helped refine Moore as well, his superior arm talent could make him the player the Jets have been looking for.

Moore doesn't have great mobility or tons of experience, but the arm, accuracy on intermediate throws, and ability to evade pressure in the pocket are all standout traits. With the right system around him, Moore might be able to start as a rookie and immediately make an impact.

The Jets will need some good fortune if they want to draft a quarterback in 2026, and Stein leaving Oregon for some greener pastures might be enough to convince Moore that the time is right to say goodbye to the college game and start his professional journey.