The Oregon Ducks are entering a new chapter. Several key players are off to the NFL, and there’s a fresh face at quarterback.
Dan Lanning may have a different-looking roster this year, but the standard in Eugene hasn’t changed. Oregon still expects to win big—and if things fall into place, they’ll be right there in the national title picture.
The biggest question? Who steps up under center.
With Dillon Gabriel off to the 2025 NFL Draft, Oregon faces uncertainty at quarterback for the first time in years. After going from Bo Nix to Gabriel, both proven veterans, the Ducks now enter uncharted territory. And ESPN sees it the same way.
"In a recent article highlighting each Top 25 team’s biggest X-factor for 2025, ESPN pointed to quarterback Dante Moore as the key to Oregon’s season."
Moore, a former five-star recruit, hasn’t had a full chance to show what he can do.
He started nine games at UCLA as a true freshman under Chip Kelly, then transferred to Oregon last year and sat behind Gabriel. In limited action, he completed 7-of-9 passes for 49 yards—mostly in garbage time.
It’s his time now.
Moore’s freshman year at UCLA came with growing pains—he completed under 55% of his passes for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Still, his arm talent and upside were evident.
After spending a year learning behind Gabriel in Oregon’s system, the hope is he’s more comfortable and ready to take command. That’s what Lanning and the Ducks are counting on.
Because if Moore can live up to his potential, Oregon might not just contend—they might dominate. It’s all in front of him now.
The talent, the system, the spotlight—this is Dante Moore’s moment. If he’s ready, the Ducks won’t just stay relevant.
They’ll be dangerous.