This Winter, Dante Moore made the decision to come back to Oregon, passing up on the chance to be the 2nd overall pick behind Fernando Mendoza. The decision was incredibly risky by Moore, but he hoped to develop his game, grow as a leader, and potentially have a special season as the Ducks look to finally bring a National Championship to Eugene.
In the season opener, Oregon struggled against Boise State, but Dante Moore had a solid game passing for 3 touchdowns without an interception. Ahead of the clash with Oklahoma State, it was revealed that NFL Scouts were everywhere in Stillwater as a ton of teams wanted to take a look at Dante Moore.
NFL teams in Stillwater for OSU-Oregon pic.twitter.com/KC6u4Ml91z
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) September 12, 2026
Dante Moore picked an awful game to start slow
With NFL Scouts in attendance, Dante Moore came into Saturday with a chance to boost his draft stock against an Oklahoma State team that fell in their season opener to Tulsa. Instead of showing up, and putting on a performance that will stick with scouts, the Ducks and Dante Moore gave them every reason to leave at halftime.
Dante Moore looked flustered the entire first half as he couldn't get on the same page as his wide receivers. Moore finished the first half going just 5 for 15 for 45 yards while rushing for just 1 yard as he took 2 sacks.
It wasn't just a rough half for Moore as he was off on simple swing passes, and missed throws that NFL teams expect you to make at a high rate in the NFL. The biggest miss for Oregon in the first half came on 4th down when Dakorien Moore was schemed wide open, but Moore delivered a ball too high when he had all the space in the world.
Dakorien Moore huge drop on 4th Down pic.twitter.com/tOuvgHAWle
— FD (@flooduck) September 12, 2026
In the first half, Dante Moore couldn't get on the same page as any of his wide receivers as true freshman Messiah Hampton was the team's leading receiver. The Ducks starting trio can make big plays after the catch, but it all starts with getting them the ball in space instead of missing on throw like Moore has thoughout the day.
The first half went as badly as you could ever imagine for the Oregon offense, yet thanks to a pick 6 and being given the ball on the 1-yard line, the Ducks only trailed by 7 at the half. The defense didn't make any fixes, as they instantly allowed Oklahoma State to march down the field and score a field goal. The defense has been bad, but they've also helped the offense a ton, which means it's time for Moore and the unit to step up.
If Oregon is going to survive a massive upset, and escape Stillwater with a win, it starts with Dante Moore stepping up. Moore is expected to be a Heisman front runner, and the Ducks don't even need him to meet that level of play, but they do need him to play competent football the rest of the way.
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