Big Ten Standout Ranked No. 1 QB in 2026 College Football Player List

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Big Ten Standout Ranked No. 1 QB in 2026 College Football Player List

The Oregon Ducks will feature one of the most stable and high-ceiling quarterback rooms in program history in the 2026 college football season.

With Dante Moore back for a second year as a starter and five-star transfer Dylan Raiola waiting in the wings, Oregon opens 2026 as one of the preseason favorites, ranking No. 5 in On3’s Top 25 Composite.

Moore’s decision to delay his NFL Draft entry for another year to return to Eugene surprised many, as the Ducks’ signal caller was widely projected as a top-five pick and likely the No. 2 overall selection.

Instead, the former five-star recruit chose to remain under Dan Lanning and chase the first national title in Ducks history.

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore looks down the field.© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In his first full year as Oregon’s starter, Moore threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing over 71 percent of his passes.

Moore led the Ducks to a CFP semifinal appearance, following a quarterfinal win over James Madison and a loss to eventual champion Indiana.

Now, his on-field production and upside have earned national recognition, with On3’s Clark Brooks ranking Moore No. 2 overall player and No. 1 quarterback in the outlet’s “Way-too-early Top 100 college football players for the 2026 season.”

“Dante Moore is QB1 in our Way-Too-Early rankings,” Brooks wrote. “Dan Lanning has one of the most intimidating rosters in the sport heading into next fall. And, Moore is a clear Heisman-hopeful.

Added Brooks: “Pinpoint and precise, Moore’s adjusted completion percentage cracked the top-15 among high volume passers on deep, intermediate, and short targets.”

Moore’s off-field profile matches his on-field impact. He holds a $3 million NIL valuation, the sixth-highest among football players, and has inked deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, Facebook, DoorDash, and more, as well as having launched his own merch shop and released a book under it.

Oregon begins the 2026 season looking to break through after back-to-back semifinal exits, with the Ducks scheduled to open the year with a matchup against the Boise State Broncos on Sept. 5.

Related: $4.2 Million WR Named Best College Football Player Ahead of 2026 Season

Related: Texas, Steve Sarkisian Land Most Players on Early 2026 College Football All-American Team

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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