Dante Moore has settled into Oregon’s starting quarterback role with remarkable ease. The uncertainty of moving from Dillon Gabriel has changed into a sense of calm with the new leader in offense. Through three games, Moore has guided Oregon to a perfect 3-0 record. The offense has averaged 42.7 points per game. Although there were some offensive issues late in their Week 3 game, overall, you can’t help but place Moore at the top of QB rankings. That is usually followed by draft discussions.
Earlier this week, Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt made a major revelation about Moore’s potential. Klatt declared, “The team that I think is really good? Oregon. They’re different this year… I know that they’re always good and they’re always fast and they’re a good team. This is a team that’s constructed that could be a great team. I think Dante Moore is a step up from Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel. Both draft picks, both really good players.” Klatt is now joined by another analyst.
Big Ten Network’s Jake Butt made waves with his bold prediction: “I think Dante Moore will be a top 10 pick… Dante Moore is an even different level of talent.” The declaration came after he watched Moore’s debut performance against Montana State. In the analysis, Field Yates draws a comparison between Moore and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
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“Dante Moore has a little bit of the aesthetic, make that clear, the aesthetic of Jayden Daniels. Wears number five, a similar helmet, and a wiry build. 6’3″, 206 lb, which if I’m not mistaken is the exact measurement that LSU had for Jayden Daniels coming out.” However, Yates quickly clarifies the limitations. “Dante Moore is not nearly the athlete of Jayden Daniels, not nearly the scrambler of Jayden Daniels, but he has been throwing the football all over the yard.”
Washington’s quarterback signed a four-year, $37.75 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with a $24.3 million signing bonus after being selected second overall in 2024. In his first season, Daniels guided the Commanders to the NFC Championship game and managed to win the offensive rookie of the year award. While Moore may not have Daniels’ athletic ability, the passing game is top-notch. “The downfield accuracy has been very, very good from Dante Moore. really the full field accuracy has been really good for him.”
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ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. acknowledged the rising buzz while adding context about Moore’s development needs. “I think another year, even if he finishes this year and he’s great, that’s just one year as a starter. You don’t want that number to be that low coming out.” We have seen how some QBs struggle to make the jump to pros when they have had limited snaps in college. Anthony Richardson is a prime example.
For now, Moore’s toughest tests lie ahead. His impressive statistics have come against Montana State, Oklahoma State, and Northwestern, teams that haven’t provided elite competition. The schedule intensifies with upcoming matchups against Oregon State and Penn State’s notorious White Out environment. Kiper specifically highlighted the Penn State challenge. “That’s the white out game. That’s going to be huge… That’s the spotlight game.” These contests will determine whether Moore’s early success translates against premier competition and whether the Daniels’ aesthetic similarities extend to on-field performance.
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How Moore’s performances may shape his future
Moore’s numbers through three games are exceptional: 50 of 64 passes completed (78.1%) for 657 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. His completion rate leads major college football, while his QBR rating of 87.8 ranks 13th nationally. Against Northwestern, he completed 16 of 20 passes for 178 yards despite challenging wind conditions.