The 2025 season isn't even done yet, but Ohio State fans are now fully focused on this team pushing for multiple titles next year. This includes the Big Ten title, though Indiana is already being viewed as the favorite to once again grab that crown. Well, Oregon has something to say about that.
A former Ohio State player is happily sticking it to his alma mater
Moments ago, star quarterback Dante Moore surprised plenty of people when he announced that instead of making the jump to the NFL Draft, he's going to return to Eugene for one more season. Moore was viewed as a lock to be a first-rounder, but he's got a natty on his mind for next campaign. This is some not-so-great news for the Buckeyes.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore said he has decided to return to school for the 2026 season, forgoing a chance to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. His decision is expected to have significant ramifications on the draft. pic.twitter.com/IPQRYOSbbC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2026
Dante Moore returning to Oregon will have an impact on Ryan Day and Ohio State
While the date hasn't been finalized, Ryan Day and Ohio State will be hosting the Ducks at some point next fall. For a little while, the assumption was that Moore was going to be off to the league and Dylan Raiola, a Nebraska transfer, would take over the offense to face the Buckeyes.
Instead, Moore is motivated to wipe away the rough memories from the loss to the Hoosiers in the CFP semifinals. In that loss, Moore had a night to forget, highlighted by his pick-six to start things off. Things kept going south from there.
So, what will he and Oregon be able to get done next season? For Ohio State, the Buckeyes are hoping not much, as Day, Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith and others are going to want to make a Big Ten statement from start to finish in 2025.
Ohio State's season ended in heartbreak, with an upset loss vs. Miami getting posted. OSU also lost in the Big Ten title game to Indiana. This group is going to play ticked off next year, which is bad news for everyone on the upcoming schedule.
This of course includes Oregon. Getting Moore back is only going to boost Oregon's chances of winning the Big Ten, but Day and Ohio State aren't going to back down. Instead, the Buckeyes will look to answer the call and silence the haters themselves.