EUGENE, OR – A new era is dawning for the No. 7 ranked Oregon Ducks football program as highly touted redshirt sophomore Dante Moore is widely anticipated to step into the pivotal role of starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 season. Following in the footsteps of successful, experienced upperclassmen like Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, Moore’s ascension marks a significant, yet different, chapter in Coach Dan Lanning’s tenure. [1, 6, 13]
The official announcement from Coach Lanning is expected next week, just ahead of the Ducks’ season opener against Montana State on August 30th at Autzen Stadium. [1, 6, 13, 20, 21] This transition spotlights Dante Moore Oregon QB as a focal point for a team with championship aspirations, poised to build on a remarkable 2024 season that saw them go undefeated in the regular season and clinch a Big Ten title. [4, 24, 39]
The Journey to Becoming Dante Moore Oregon QB
Dante Moore’s path to becoming the presumed starting quarterback for the Ducks has been anything but conventional. A former five-star recruit out of Detroit, Michigan, Moore initially committed to Oregon before famously flipping to UCLA. [6, 28, 30] His true freshman season at UCLA in 2023 was a learning experience, marked by both flashes of brilliance and the struggles typical of a young quarterback thrust into a starting role. He appeared in nine games, starting five, accumulating 1,610 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. [1, 6, 28, 31] A particularly challenging three-game stretch saw him throw six interceptions and endure 16 sacks, highlighting the difficulties faced behind an offensive line that struggled and within a program in transition. [6, 28, 31, 35]
Following that season, Moore entered the transfer portal, ultimately returning to his original commitment destination: the University of Oregon. [6, 30] In 2024, he redshirted, serving as the primary backup to Dillon Gabriel, who delivered a Heisman-caliber performance for the Ducks. This period was invaluable for Moore, allowing him to acclimate to Offensive Coordinator Will Stein’s system, refine his mechanics, and gain a deeper understanding of high-level college football without the immediate pressure of being the starter. [4, 17, 31, 35] Coach Lanning has consistently emphasized the importance of this learning year, noting that Moore and other quarterbacks benefited from observing veterans like Gabriel operate at a high level. [6, 13, 38]
Filling Big Shoes: The Legacy of Oregon QBs
Oregon has developed a reputation as a ‘quarterback factory,’ with recent history featuring NFL-bound talents such as Marcus Mariota, Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, and most recently, Dillon Gabriel. [20, 36] Gabriel’s lone season in Eugene was spectacular, as he led the Ducks to a 13-0 regular season, a Big Ten Championship, and a College Football Playoff quarterfinal appearance before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft. [3, 10, 14, 24, 39] The task of replacing such a productive and seasoned leader is formidable, a challenge Coach Lanning openly acknowledges. [18]
However, the Ducks coaching staff, particularly Offensive Coordinator Will Stein, has expressed confidence in Moore’s development. Stein, who previously guided Heisman finalists Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel, finds himself in a unique position this year, working with a less experienced, yet immensely talented, quarterback room. [17] He has focused on Moore’s positive plays from his UCLA tape, recognizing the potential that made him a five-star recruit. [17, 35] Moore himself embraces the challenge, echoing Coach Lanning’s mantra: “pressure is a privilege.” [6, 38]
Dante Moore Oregon QB: A New Era for the Ducks
Moore’s readiness is not merely based on potential; it’s backed by tangible improvements and impressive displays during fall camp. Big Ten Network analyst Yogi Roth, who observed Oregon’s practices, lauded Moore’s consistency, accuracy, and competitive spirit. Roth highlighted Moore’s “unique ability to throw a catchable ball” with excellent location, tempo, and variety. [2, 4] Furthermore, Moore has dedicated himself to expanding his physical skillset, reportedly increasing his speed to 21.5 mph, adding a dynamic rushing threat to his already strong arm talent. [1, 6, 21, 38]
While Moore is the presumed frontrunner, the quarterback competition in Eugene has been robust. Redshirt sophomore Austin Novosad has pushed Moore throughout the offseason, and Luke Moga is also in the mix. [1, 3, 12, 13, 20, 24] Coach Lanning and Coordinator Stein have praised the healthy and competitive environment within the quarterback room, where players are pushing each other to excel. [19, 27] The competition has seemingly sharpened Moore, as he spent the year redshirting and preparing for this opportunity, demonstrating maturity and leadership. [1, 6, 21, 31]
What to Expect from Dante Moore Oregon QB in 2025
The supporting cast around Dante Moore Oregon QB is built for success. The Ducks return a retooled, solid offensive line, anchored by center Iapani “Poncho” Laloulu. [4, 8, 29] The backfield features a strong running game, bolstered by transfer Makhi Hughes, a former Doak Walker Award semifinalist. [4, 8, 29] At wide receiver, despite losing key players to the NFL draft and an offseason knee injury to Evan Stewart, veterans like Gary Bryant Jr. and Justius Lowe are expected to step up, alongside five-star freshman Dakorien Moore, sparking anticipation for potential “Moore-to-Moore” touchdowns. [1, 4, 7, 8, 21, 29, 31]
Oregon enters the 2025 season with lofty expectations, ranked No. 7 nationally. [1, 39] Coach Lanning’s theme for the season is to “double down” on the process that has brought the program immense success. [39] With a full year in Will Stein’s system, a focus on decision-making, and a deep talent pool surrounding him, Dante Moore is positioned not just to be Oregon’s next quarterback, but to be a key figure in the Ducks’ pursuit of a national championship. His leadership, arm talent, and enhanced athleticism will be critical as Oregon navigates its second season in the Big Ten Conference. [4, 6, 17, 21, 26, 35, 39]
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Dante Moore Oregon QB to see if he can fulfill the immense potential that has followed him since his high school days and lead the Ducks to sustained success in the competitive landscape of college football. His journey, from highly touted recruit to UCLA starter, transfer portal entrant, and now presumed starter for a top-10 program, is a testament to resilience and dedication, setting the stage for a compelling 2025 campaign. [1, 4, 6, 28, 30, 31]
