Dante Moore Isn’t Focused on the NFL - He’s Focused on Finishing What He Started at Oregon
Dante Moore isn’t ready to talk about the NFL just yet - and honestly, who can blame him? With Oregon gearing up for a College Football Playoff showdown against James Madison, the Ducks’ rising star quarterback is keeping his eyes locked on the task in front of him: winning a national title.
“There’s not a decision,” Moore said when asked about his future. “I don’t know. I’m just glad to be here and play JMU.”
That simple, grounded response says a lot about Moore and how he’s approached this season. After transferring to Oregon ahead of the 2024 campaign, Moore redshirted his first year in Eugene.
Instead of pushing for the spotlight, he took the time to learn - sitting behind veteran Dillon Gabriel, absorbing Will Stein’s offense, and building chemistry with the team around him. That patience is paying off in a big way.
Now, Moore enters the playoff picture as one of the hottest names in college football. He’s piloted one of the most dynamic offenses in the country, and he’s done it while Oregon has battled through injuries to key skill players. His poise, command, and decision-making have turned heads - not just in Eugene, but across NFL front offices.
Scouts and analysts are already slotting Moore into the top tier of the upcoming draft class. Depending on who you ask, he’s a top-three pick, maybe even the top overall prospect on the board. That kind of buzz doesn’t come out of nowhere - it’s earned, and Moore’s numbers back it up.
Through 12 games, Moore has thrown for 2,733 yards and 24 touchdowns, completing an impressive 72.5% of his passes. He’s averaging 8.7 yards per attempt and has kept mistakes to a minimum, tossing just six interceptions on the year.
His QBR? A rock-solid 167.3.
But it’s not just the season-long production that stands out - it’s how he’s elevated his game when it matters most. November was a statement month.
Moore led the Ducks to four straight wins, including ranked victories over Iowa and USC, plus solid performances against Minnesota and Washington. He threw for 961 yards and five touchdowns in that stretch, completing nearly 75% of his passes.
And he did it without his top two wideouts - Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. - and, for one game, without starting tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
That’s the kind of performance that separates good quarterbacks from great ones. Moore didn’t flinch when the weapons around him went down. He adjusted, stayed within the offense, and kept Oregon’s playoff hopes alive.
Of course, with that kind of spotlight comes the inevitable questions about what’s next. But Moore isn’t rushing anything.
He knows the draft talk will be there when the time comes. Right now, he’s locked in on helping Oregon chase a championship.
“There’s a lot of thoughts and a lot going on,” Moore said. “But Coach Lanning makes sure I stay focused on the main thing - being present, being here with my teammates.”
That’s the mindset of a leader. Moore isn’t just playing quarterback - he’s setting the tone. And while the NFL will come calling soon enough, he’s not letting it distract from the mission at hand.
For now, Dante Moore’s future can wait. The Ducks have a playoff run to make, and their quarterback is all in.