Dan Lanning on High Alert as Insider’s Concerns Over Dante Moore’s Future Add To Oregon’s Quarterback Crisis

Dan Lanning has made one thing clear — Oregon stays in the top 10. Whether it was last year’s No. 1 finish in the regular season or a No. 6 spot the year before, the Ducks are built to compete. Now, the spotlight is on Dante Moore. Well, a five-star talent and the No. 3 QB in the 2023 class, he was once seen as the future of Oregon football. And after a season behind Dylan Gabriel, he was expected to take over in 2025. But here’s the shocker — insiders say Moore’s future is now in jeopardy.

In a recent episode of the PFF College Football Show, Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman broke down Oregon’s 2025 playoff hopes. But one topic stole the spotlight, and that is Dante Moore. Chadwick didn’t hold back, saying, “You’ve got a lot of talent on this team too. I think there’s going to be some questions on offense with Dante Moore now, we assume, going in as the starting quarterback. It’s not a veteran transfer like it was with Bo Nix or with Dylan Gabriel, right? So, you’ve got to get Moore developed a little more. He’s a younger player.” And just like that, the concerns are real.

See, Moore has the talent, but is he ready? That’s the big question. Safe to say, every position is locked in — except the most important one. And now, if Lanning hands him the QB1 job, he’s betting big on potential. And it could be the risk that could define Oregon’s season.

As Max Chadwick put it best, saying, “You’re losing Tez Johnson, who was your best receiver, right? You’re losing a couple of pieces on defense, but Lanning’s going to piece together the defense. They’ve got a ton of talent. You look at Matayo Uiagalelei, you look at bringing Bear Alexander in. You brought Dillon Thieneman, one of my favorite players in the country, in to play free safety. I think he’s going to be a fantastic fit there.” To be honest, there is no doubt that the Ducks are stacked, but with a young QB at the helm, the pressure is on.

However, the CFB insider didn’t stop there. His concerns about Moore only heated up and he doubled down on what could make or break the Ducks’ season. “Look, I think this is a team that plays really good, fundamentally sound football. They’re always balanced. Bryce Boettcher, I think, at middle linebacker is a huge guy to get back. He had a spectacular year last year. And then, I think the ceiling of this team is really going to be based on Dante Moore,” said Max.

Let’s be real, Oregon has the pieces, but their fate? It all hinges on their young QB. See, bringing in Makai Hughes from Tulane? That’s a game-changer. You know, he’s one of the best backs in the country, and Oregon couldn’t have landed a better transfer at the position. But no matter how good Hughes is, the Ducks’ fate still comes down to one thing — Dante Moore. As of now, if he delivers, Oregon is built to chase a B1G title.

And while Oregon’s 2025 season hinges on Moore, the real concern? Lanning’s QB room. As of now, if he struggles or goes down, the Ducks could be in trouble.

The quarterback crisis in Oregon Ducks

We all know that Oregon just took a tough hit in recruiting, losing top QB commit Jonas Williams. Well, the writing was on the wall — he had been drifting from the Ducks, and a visit to USC’s Junior Day sealed the deal. But the pull? Lincoln Riley’s track record with quarterbacks. And yes, Williams couldn’t ignore the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the game. Just like that, Oregon’s future at QB took a serious shake-up.

However, Williams’ statement says it all — Oregon has a QB crisis. Yes, the talented signal-caller didn’t just flip; he made it clear why. “My favorite things that excite me are the relationships I’ve built with Coach Riley, (Luke) Huard, and the (general manager) Chad Bowden. That was an important factor for me and knowing that this offense will fit my playing style is reassuring,” said Williams.

As USC just pulled off a major heist, stealing a top-tier QB from the B1G rival, the ripple effect is real. See, On3’s rankings have the Trojans sitting at No. 2, just behind Oregon. But for the Ducks to stay on top, they must get the QB1 decision right. So, where does Oregon turn now? Well, On3’s Steve Wiltfong hinted at this shake-up, reporting that Williams’ de-commitment was brewing — partly because Oregon had its eyes on five-star QB Jared Curtis. Safe to say, the Ducks would love to land both, but let’s be real; no elite quarterback wants to sit and wait.

Right now, Curtis is gearing up for a summer tour, with stops at Oregon, Georgia, and SC. But the real question? Can Dan Lanning seal the deal and ease Oregon’s growing QB crisis? Landing Curtis could be the answer — but until then, the Ducks are walking a tightrope at the most important position on the field.