EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon football has become a consistent producer of NFL quarterbacks under head coach Dan Lanning. In back-to-back seasons, the Ducks sent Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel to the pros, drafted by the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, respectively.
Now, it’s Dante Moore’s turn to lead the offense — and to continue Oregon’s quarterback pipeline as the Ducks enter their first season in the Big Ten.
Moore Takes Over in 2025
After an up-and-down freshman season at UCLA in 2023 and a developmental year behind Gabriel in 2024, Moore finally has the keys to Oregon’s high-powered attack.
The 6-foot-4 quarterback from Detroit opened the season with a strong debut in Week 1, completing 18 of 23 passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns in a commanding win over Montana State. He also added 18 rushing yards on three carries, showcasing his mobility.
With Moore under center, Oregon is once again expected to contend for a Big Ten championship and a College Football Playoff berth.
From Five-Star Recruit to Eugene
Moore was one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the 2023 recruiting class. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, he was:
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⭐ Five-star recruit
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No. 4 overall player nationally
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No. 3 quarterback
Originally, Moore committed to Oregon and Dan Lanning out of high school. But after offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham left Eugene to take over at Arizona State in late 2022, Moore flipped to UCLA.
He spent his freshman season with the Bruins, appearing in nine games. He threw for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, showing flashes of potential but also some freshman inconsistency.
When Chip Kelly left UCLA for the offensive coordinator role at Ohio State after the 2023 season, Moore decided it was time for a change.
Why Moore Chose Oregon After Transferring
“When I hit the portal … I kind of knew where I was going already,” Moore told The Register-Guard. “(Coach Lanning) just checked up on me, laughed, joked around, got a visit out here and I knew it was time to get back out.”
Moore transferred to Oregon in 2023 and redshirted in 2024, serving as the backup to Dillon Gabriel. He appeared in just four games, completing 7 of 8 passes for 49 yards.
That year of learning under Gabriel and studying Lanning’s system gave him valuable preparation for taking over in 2025.
Winning the QB Competition
Coming into this season, Moore had to beat out a talented quarterback room that included Austin Novosad, redshirt freshman Luke Moga, freshman Akili Smith Jr., and walk-on junior Brock Thomas.
Moore’s experience, arm talent, and familiarity with the offense ultimately won him the starting job. Coaches praised his decision-making and leadership throughout fall camp.
Moore’s Week 1 Performance
In Oregon’s season-opening win over Montana State, Moore displayed poise and accuracy. His stat line:
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18 of 23 passing (78%)
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213 passing yards
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3 touchdowns
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18 rushing yards on 3 carries
The Ducks scored early and often with Moore in control, giving fans a glimpse of the balance he brings to the offense — strong passing efficiency paired with mobility.
What’s Next for the Ducks and Moore
Moore inherits big expectations. With a veteran offensive line, a stable of receivers, and Lanning’s proven system, the Ducks are eyeing not only a conference title but also a shot at the College Football Playoff.
For Moore, the opportunity is clear: continue Oregon’s quarterback legacy and cement himself as the program’s next NFL-caliber passer.
If Week 1 was any indication, he’s ready for the challenge.
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