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.
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