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In Eugene, quarterback isn’t just a position—it’s a legacy. Under Dan Lanning, Oregon has thrived with elite signal-callers, producing two Heisman finalists in just three years. But now, a new chapter begins. The Ducks stare into the unknown with one burning question, ‘Who’s next?’ However, the answer is Dante Moore. And while the stage is set, now, a national analyst has delivered a clear message about Moore’s future at Oregon—one that could define the Ducks’ path to glory.

On the March 13 episode of On3 Recruits, Josh Newberg and National Scout Cody Bellaire broke down Oregon’s next superstar—the five-star talent primed for a breakout. And when it came to Dante Moore, Cody didn’t hold back, and he made his stance crystal clear, saying, “I mean, he transfers out of UCLA after his freshman season, which was a bit of a roller coaster—throwing 11 touchdowns to nine interceptions in his nine games as a true freshman with a 53% completion percentage. That’s not going to get it done.” As of now, with a fresh start in Eugene, Moore has a chance to rewrite the narrative.

However, Dante Moore’s freshman year at UCLA was anything but smooth. He threw 11 TDs and 9 interceptions, completing just 53.5% of his passes. Although it was a rocky start, no doubt, one thing is certain—Moore knows his game. That’s why he made the move to Oregon in 2024, and now, his transfer is set to pay off. But how? Moore isn’t just waiting—he’s learning, so when his time comes, he’ll be ready. As Cody Bellaire put it, “So he decides to transfer to Oregon and sit behind Dillon Gabriel for a year, which may have just been the best thing for him in his career. Because it allowed him to see what a seasoned, Heisman-caliber quarterback does to prepare and how he sees the game.”

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So, Moore’s transfer wasn’t just about a fresh start—it was about growth. And looks like learning behind a veteran like Dillon Gabriel and embracing Dan Lanning’s system was the best move for his future. Now, after a year of studying under a seasoned, Heisman-caliber QB, Moore is primed to unleash his talent. And his arm strength is undeniable, and the Ducks should be buzzing with excitement.

And Cody Bellaire put it best, declaring, “Dillon Gabriel is a guy that’s seen more college ball than pretty much anyone that’s ever suited up in a game before. So if any of that rubs off on Dante Moore, paired up with his natural arm talent, then the Ducks should be excited to watch him throw dots to none other than Evan Stewart, who is really in a put-up-or-shut-up type of season.” Right now, it’s time for Moore, who is only 19, to shine.

With the sixth-best Heisman odds at +1800, expectations for Dante Moore are sky-high. And the pressure? Immense. But greatness isn’t handed out—it’s earned. So, how Moore handles the moment will shape his legacy. Amidst the noise, Oregon head coach Dan Lanning got a clear message. The Ducks will have a smooth ride in 2025 with Moore at the helm. While confidence is brewing in Eugene, the future looks bright.

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What’s your perspective on:

Can Dante Moore handle the pressure and lead Oregon to another championship, or is it too soon?

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The future of Oregon under Dan Lanning

As Dante Moore steps into the spotlight, Oregon has the perfect runway to take off. And national analyst J.D. PicKell pointed out that the defending B1G champions have a smooth start in August and most of September before things get real. But the true challenge? A massive title rematch against PSU. Although Oregon narrowly defeated PSU 45-37 last December, this game has even more at stake. And now, with Moore under center, PicKell believes the Ducks have plenty of time to fine-tune their game before facing their first true test of the season.

However, PicKell sees a golden opportunity for Oregon and its new quarterback. “The first four games Oregon plays, [the] toughest game there is Oklahoma State. But, like, there’s a ramp-up period there. You got Northwestern on there – it’s not gonna be the most difficult schedule of all-time to get Dante Moore up to speed,” he said. As of now, if the schedule unfolds as PicKell predicts, the path is clear. Moore had the ability to guide the Ducks to another conference championship and secure a postseason berth. But now, it’s up to Moore to deliver.

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The talk about Moore is just that—talk—for the time being. But one thing is clear—college football pundits are watching closely.

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Can Dante Moore handle the pressure and lead Oregon to another championship, or is it too soon?

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