Oregon has announced that Dante Moore will take over as starting quarterback this season, ending a two-year run of veteran transfers leading the Ducks offense.
The past two seasons saw Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel transfer to Oregon and become the two most experienced quarterbacks in NCAA history. Coach Dan Lanning won’t have that same level of experience this time around.
At least not on paper.
Moore, a former five-star recruit who started at UCLA before transferring to Oregon in December 2023, will step into the role. He sat behind Gabriel last season after an inconsistent freshman campaign with the Bruins.
The expectations remain sky-high despite Moore’s limited starting experience.
On3’s J.D. PicKell projects Moore as a Heisman Trophy finalist this season, setting the bar at the same level as his predecessors.
“My expectation for him is the expectation that’s been set there from Bo Nix, Dillon Gabriel, I expect Dante Moore to be a Heisman finalist,” PicKell said. “I do. It sounds like we are asking a lot of the guy. Are we?”
My expectations for Dante Moore: Be a Heisman finalist.
Last 2 Duck QBs set the bar. I see no reason why Moore can’t get it done. https://t.co/8Fp5QIU6U0 pic.twitter.com/EpliPuyt9N
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) July 2, 2025
PicKell explained that Moore has had a full year to learn coordinator Will Stein’s offense. From a scouting perspective, Moore possesses the same tools as Nix and Gabriel.
Oregon’s continued success in recruiting and the transfer portal provides Moore with top-tier talent around him.
The question remains whether he can deliver.
Early buzz suggests he’s ready for the challenge. Freshman Dakorien Moore predicted that Dante Moore would win the Heisman this season.
Sources within the program have praised the quarterback’s intelligence as a passer and leadership qualities, according to reports.
All the pieces appear to be in place for Moore’s first season as Oregon’s primary starter.
Ducks fans will find out soon enough if he can meet those Heisman-level expectations.
