Dante Moore’s latest NIL move only adds to the growing list of ways the Oregon quarterback is cashing in on his rise.
Celsius announced Wednesday, Aug. 26 that Moore has joined Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood and Ohio State receiver Chris Henry Jr. as part of a new group of college football athletes signed to the energy and fitness drink brand ahead of the regular season.
“College football has an unmatched ability to bring people together, and these partnerships deepen CELSIUS’ connection to the culture and the students, fans and communities that make game day unlike anything else in sports,”said chief brand officer of Celsius Kyle Watson in a press release.
“These aren’t just partnerships - each athlete has an authentic connection to the brand, from how they prepare and compete to where they’re headed next. We’re building around that shared ambition with experiences that go beyond a traditional sponsorship and bringing the LIVE.
FIT. GO.™ mantra to life in a way that feels authentic to each athlete," Watson continued.
Celsius has limited these deals to players in the Big Ten and the SEC, but the four athletes are all at different stages of their college paths. Henry Jr. was a five-star recruit in the class of 2026 before enrolling at Ohio State, and he’s set to begin his first season with the Buckeyes.
Underwood is heading into his second year as Michigan’s starting quarterback after throwing for 2,428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions as a true freshman.
Coleman and Moore are both eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft after the season. Coleman transferred from Auburn to Texas before the season and arrives with 1,306 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in two years with the Tigers. Now paired with Texas quarterback Arch Manning, he could push himself into the early rounds of the draft.
Moore, though, may be the biggest name in the group right now. He passed on the 2026 NFL Draft and returned to Oregon, a decision that makes this season look like his final one in college football. That choice has boosted his profile, and his NIL portfolio appears to be keeping pace.
According to Moore’s Instagram page, he has already lined up paid partnerships with brands such as T-Mobile and DoorDash. He’s also one of three cover stars for EA College Football 27.
Nike is in the mix too. Moore is one of a small number of Oregon players with an individual NIL deal from the company, joining Ducks receiver Dakorien Moore, running back Jordon Davison, cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. and safety Jett Washington.
In Other News...
Michigan Suddenly Has An Early Concern With Brandon McCoy Jr
A promising start to Michigans Summer Tour took an unsettling turn almost immediately when freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. was injured about 20 seconds into an exhibition against Serbian club Mega Superbet. He had to be carried off the court, and while the program has not yet disclosed the nature of the injury, the early read is that it could be serious enough to merit real concern.
McCoy arrived with expectations of being part of Michigans lineup plans for the upcoming season, so the timing is especially difficult for a team trying to use the tour to build momentum and clarity. Even before any official update on his condition, the Wolverines are now left waiting to find out whether a preseason setback has become a much larger issue. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Already Has A Freshman Injury Concern Fans Will Watch
Michigans overseas exhibition tour was supposed to give the Wolverines an early look at their new pieces, but it has already become a test of depth and durability. Center Moustapha Thiam left the first game early with an injury and sat out the next two, while Trey McKenney missed the second game before returning for the third, offering at least one reminder that the group is still juggling availability as it tries to build rhythm.
The bigger concern came in the third game, when five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. suffered an apparent right foot injury early and never made it back to the bench. Ricky Liburd also was absent from the roster for that matchup and is presumed to be injured, leaving Michigan with more questions than answers as the trip continues and the staff waits to see how much of its freshman core will be ready once the games start to matter for real. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans Ceiling May Come Down To Two Unsettled Positions
Fall camp has left Michigan looking like a team with plenty to work with and a few spots still begging for answers. Bryce gives the offense a clear focal point, the wide receiver room has enough talent to matter, and the coaching staff has the kind of structure that can keep a season on track even when things get bumpy. There is real optimism around this group because the overall ceiling still feels high, especially with the possibility of playing into the playoff conversation.
The issue is that the path to getting there may depend on a couple of unresolved jobs that can shape the whole operation. The linebackers remain a concern, and the staff is also weighing how the special teams and defensive approach will hold up once the games start counting. Michigan has enough pieces to make this a serious season, but the difference between a good run and something bigger may come down to how those last few decisions settle in the coming weeks. [Read more 🡒]
