Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore announced his decision to return for another season rather than declaring for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This announcement, made on January 14, 2026, adds depth to an already competitive quarterback class for the 2027 NFL Draft, scheduled to take place from April 23-25, 2027, in Pittsburgh. Moore expressed his commitment to the Ducks and their quest for a national championship, stating, “Of course, I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year.”
Moore’s return could reshape the rankings of quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. With his strong performance last season, he has positioned himself well among other prospects, but the competition is fierce. Below, we explore the top five quarterbacks expected to enter the 2027 NFL Draft.
Top Quarterback Prospects for 2027 Draft
5. Josh Hoover, Indiana Hoosiers
After a stellar season with the TCU Horned Frogs, where he completed 65.9% of his passes for 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, Hoover has emerged as a notable contender. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, concerns about his size linger, but his impressive arm strength and quick release have garnered attention. ESPN’s Jordan Reid praised Hoover’s ability to deliver tight throws and adapt his throwing speed based on the situation.
4. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks
Sellers stands tall at 6-foot-3 and weighs 240 pounds, showcasing remarkable athleticism. He reportedly sprinted a 40-yard dash in 4.4 to 4.5 seconds earlier in 2025. Despite this impressive physical profile, Sellers struggled to excel as a passer, completing only 60.8% of his throws for 2,437 yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions during the season. Improvement in his passing game could significantly elevate his draft stock, according to CBS Sports’ Mike Renner.
3. Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks
Moore’s decision to return for the 2026 season is a calculated risk. Had he declared for the 2026 draft, he would have likely been a top-three pick, but the depth of the quarterback class for 2027 complicates matters. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 206 pounds, Moore completed an impressive 71.8% of his passes in 2025, accumulating 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His potential to be a first-round pick remains strong, as noted by Rob Rang of Fox Sports, who highlighted Moore’s natural passing ability and quick release.
Competitive Landscape for Quarterbacks
2. Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes
Sayin has benefitted from a strong supporting cast, including star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. In his debut season as a starter, he completed an FBS-leading 77% of his passes, amassing 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. His performance earned him a spot as a Heisman finalist, showcasing his capability to excel even among top-tier talent, as noted by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
1. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
Despite early season struggles, Manning, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 219 pounds, rebounded to help lead the Longhorns to a 10-3 record. He finished strong, notably with a 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Citrus Bowl, where he rushed for a critical 60-yard touchdown. His pedigree, being the nephew of Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning, adds to his allure as a top prospect. An NFL executive projected him as the first quarterback selected whenever he chooses to enter the draft, emphasizing the weight of the Manning name as a powerful asset.
As the 2027 NFL Draft approaches, the landscape for quarterbacks continues to evolve, with Moore’s return intensifying the competition. Each of these prospects brings unique skills and potential that will be closely monitored by NFL teams in the lead-up to the draft.
