Dante Moore tabbed by Joel Klatt as CFB's top QB in 2026

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After the 2025 season, Dante Moore cited a return to play for the Oregon Ducks for one more season as paramount towards readying himself for the NFL. The last time we’d seen him had been in the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Indiana Hoosiers, in which he threw a pick-six on the first play and struggled his way through a 34-point loss. He was overmatched and didn’t appear ready for the rigors of the pro level on the field.

Fast forward to spring ball, and Moore looked as sharp as can be. He put the ball in the air only a select few times during the Ducks‘ spring game, but they were precise. He looked comfortable at times last season, but this sort of comfortability was different. Entering his second year as the starter, Moore appeared to be in full control of the offense with full confidence in both himself and his teammates.

All of it has led the former five-star passer to be thought of among the best quarterbacks in the country heading into this fall. Prominent college football analyst Joel Klatt released his ranking of the top 10 quarterbacks in college football, with Moore topping the list at No. 1.

The other main challenger for the throne as the top quarterback in the nation largely comes down to Texas’ Arch Manning, who comes in at No. 2 on Klatt’s list. Beyond them, two passers that will compete against Oregon in 2026 are present: Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (No. 3) and USC’s Jayden Maiava (No. 7). Potential Big Ten Championship challenger, Indiana, also has their quarterback present on the list in Josh Hoover (No. 9).

But atop all of them is the Ducks’ signal-caller, who beautifully meshed together his pure talent, playmaking ability, understanding of the offense and clear-cut leadership this spring. It doesn’t get much better than someone of Moore’s caliber at the quarterback position in college football — and in Klatt’s mind, it doesn’t get any better in 2026, period.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dante Moore commands the top spot in Joel Klatt’s 2026 QB rankings

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