College Football Coaches, GMs High On Dante Moore & Oregon’s Chances of BIG Season in 2026?
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Coaches around college football believe Dante Moore will play a major role in Oregon football finally winning its first national championship this season.
For much of the last two decades, Oregon has been one of the nation’s best run programs. They are always competitive and often in the hunt for championships. However, despite being in another peak period with Dan Lanning as head coach, the school has developed a reputation for not being able to win big games.
There was hope that with Moore as their full-time starting quarterback, the Ducks would get over the championship hump last year. And while they got a couple of wins in the college football playoffs, they had their doors blown off by eventual champs Indiana, by a score of 56-22 in the semifinals. So it is understandable why followers of the sport still don’t believe in Oregon this season, even with Moore back as QB.
Also Read: 2026 College Football Week 1 QB Rankings: Where Does Arch Manning Land in Our Top 10?
Oregon a popular pick by CFB decision-makers to win National Championship
However, it seems some important figures inside college football believe this can be the year for Oregon. The Athletic recently spoke with “18 coaches at all levels of FBS football, from head coaches to position coaches to analysts to general managers” to get their thoughts about certain topics heading into the Week 1 games this weekend.
When asked, “Who do you think wins the national title?” the Ducks received the most votes (6). Double the number of what the next most popular choices — Notre Dame and Ohio State — received.
“I think this is the most wide-open race we’ve had in college football in such a long time,” an ACC offensive analyst said. “I’ll say Oregon [will win a championship]. Dan Lanning has continued to get better and better, and this is the year he cracks through.”
CFB decision-makers high on Dante Moore’s potential in 2026
To be a serious title contender, you need elite talent. Well, when asked for picks to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy, the Ducks QB was an overwhelming choice. Moore received nine votes. Ohio State superstar Jeremiah Smith was second with four votes, followed by Notre Dame QB CJ Carr with just two votes.
“I’m really curious to see if Dante Moore gets better and what (Darian) Mensah does at Miami in that offense. He played a lot within himself at Duke. Did a good job taking care of the ball. I’ll say Moore because he’s gonna have a lot of marquee games,” a Big 12 GM told The Athletic.
To hammer home the idea that many around college football believe in Moore’s talent and ability to have another big season in 2026, on the question of “Who should be the highest-paid player in college football?” the Oregon signal-caller finished second with six votes. Only behind the player universally viewed as the most talented in the sport this year, OSU’s Smith.
For Ducks fans hoping the program’s title drought finally ends this season, this report is very good news.
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