Big Ten Coaches Praise Oregon QB Dante Moore

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Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore had a chance to eclipse Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a strong performance in the College Football Playoff. 

After a strong start against James Madison, Moore didn't play particularly well in Oregon's 23-0 win over Texas Tech. The defense earned the Ducks the right to play Indiana in the CFP semifinal.

Moore gave IU the early lead via a pick-6, and his turnovers led to a 56-22 final score against Mendoza and the Hoosiers.

Entering 2026, Moore has another opportunity to be the top pick in the 2027 draft. His main competition will be Texas quarterback Arch Manning, though Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr is gaining buzz before the fall. 

A Big Ten coach told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that Moore's confidence could be his best feature this year. 

"Dante was exceptionally good," a Big Ten coach said. "He was the most confident back there. He had the best presence of all the guys. He looks the part, he acts the part, he controls the line of scrimmage. 

"He throws a good ball, but he was a guy who continued to make good decisions."

Moore's decision to return to Eugene had something to do with some of the less good decisions he made against Indiana (in the regular season and CFP) and Texas Tech. He'll have to learn how to deal with pressure, something he had a problem with in critical moments last year.

A Big Ten defensive coordinator notes that Moore is not lacking in arm talent.

"His arm talent certainly jumps out," the coach said. "His arm talent, his ability to improvise, the ability to throw from different locations, his ability to ad-lib."

It's important to point out that 2025 was Moore's first season as the starter at Oregon. He should look more poised and confident during his second year as a starter for the Ducks. 

With Evan Stewart, Dakorien Moore, and Jamari Johnson to target, Moore should have no problem finding an open receiver this fall. That could help the Ducks make a run for the national championship this fall.

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