Oregon’s quarterback situation is hotter than the Autzen turf in August. With Dillon Gabriel heading off to chase NFL dreams after dragging the Ducks to the playoffs, the spotlight shifts to the next man up. And that man? Dante Moore. Now, Eugene has a habit of cranking out elite QBs like it’s just another Tuesday—Mariota, Herbert, Nix. Two Heisman finalists in three years. Gabriel leaves after slinging 30 touchdowns and finishing third in the Heisman race. Big shoes to fill? Try clown-sized. And Dan Lanning knows it. That’s why he just pulled a dual move to make sure his young QB1 is set up to ball out in 2025.

On March 27th, On3’s national analyst J.D. PicKell hopped on coverage and dropped a big-time admission about Oregon’s QB1 for 2025, Dante Moore. “Dante Moore is going to be the talking point for us really until we get to see him play meaningful football. They are excited about him from a skill set perspective—that’s not what we’re talking about. The thing with him is being able to step into the role of being the guy at Oregon, being able to be a more vocal leader. That’s kind of been what’s asked of him to this point in the spring and in the winter.”

Dante Moore’s got the elite arm and raw ability—no question. But can he command the huddle? That’s been the mission in Eugene all offseason. PicKell even pointed out how Oregon’s social team has been blasting clips of Moore addressing the squad, pushing him out of his shell. “Work in progress, doing a good job, but that is the next thing for him. The benefit that he has is he’s able to look back at what Dillon Gabriel did and how he operated as a leader….To be able to see that throughout the course of an entire season—this is how you lead, this is how you handle your business, this is how you get acclimated to game plan, whatever. I think that’s invaluable.”

Dante Moore’s freshman year at UCLA in 2023 was a rollercoaster. Played nine games, started five, and showed flashes of greatness. Threw for 1,610 yards, 11 TDs, and 9 picks. Not exactly Heisman numbers, but QB1 had his moments. That 290-yard, three-TD performance against San Diego State? Pure filth. But consistency was an issue, and UCLA’s O-line wasn’t exactly giving him Fort Knox-level protection. After a bumpy season, he hit the portal, landing in Eugene. In 2024, he saw limited action—only five games and eight pass attempts. But now? It’s his show.

Dan Lanning’s dual move to protect Dante Moore for the 2025 season

Dan Lanning knows the deal. He’s not about to throw a young QB into the fire without serious backup. So, what does he do? He secured Moore’s future with a two-pronged move—landing five-star receiver Dakorien Moore and getting Evan Stewart to run it back for another year. That’s not just smart; that’s chess, not checkers.

J.D. PicKell laid it out: “One of those guys they’re excited about? True freshman Dakorien Moore. What I’ve been told is ‘Moore to Moore’ is going to be a thing this fall. Yes, he’s a true freshman, but dude can ball. They’ve been excited about what he’s done throughout the winter in terms of offering leadership even as a true freshman. They think he’s going to be a player for them.” Dakorien Moore is that guy. Five-star pedigree. Speed to burn. Already drawing Ja’Marr Chase comparisons before even taking a college snap. And then there’s Evan Stewart—a guy some fans were sleeping on after an ‘okay-ish’ 2024 season. But Lanning knows better.

J.D. PicKell is big time on Dakorien Moore: “In addition to Dakorien Moore and all the things that he brings from an on-the-field perspective, Evan Stewart is back. And I think a lot of people nationally, maybe even some Oregon fans, say, ‘Evan Stewart’s back? Big whoop. He was good-ish for us a year ago, but like, what are we really looking at here with an Evan Stewart?’ Well, one—he’s going to be able to play in position now with Dakorien Moore also being on the roster, which takes some heat off my guy. Having Evan Stewart in his more natural position as a slot receiver is going to allow him to do what he does best—which is find his matchup, find some space, catch, and get north and south.”

Evan Stewart originally committed to Texas before flipping to Texas A&M, where he balled out as a freshman with 53 catches for 649 yards. After the 2023 season, he hit the portal and landed at Oregon, where he snagged 48 receptions for 613 yards and five TDs. He had a monster game against Ohio State—149 yards on seven catches—before a back injury kept him out of the Rose Bowl. Instead of bolting for the NFL, Stewart doubled down and announced he’s running it back for 2025.

Now? With Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden off to the league, Stewart is WR1. Oregon’s offensive line is a fortress. The run game is looking nasty. And those wideouts? They aren’t just good—they’re built to torch defenses. Dan Lanning’s plan is clear—surround Moore with elite weapons, give him time to develop, and let the offense hum. Oregon was this close to a natty run last season, going undefeated in the regular season before getting bounced in the Rose Bowl. Now, with a stacked squad and a young QB with sky-high potential, the Ducks are gearing up for another shot.