Everyone is talking about Dante Moore these days. The Oregon quarterback is the odds-on Heisman Trophy favorite, according to FanDuel, and he's popping up on draft boards right and left.
Draft analyst Todd McShay is equally high on Moore despite the sophomore's lack of experience and starts. McShay is excited about the tools that Moore possesses and his ability to make all the tough throws. He was a guest on the "God Bless Football" podcast with Jon "Stugotz" Wiener and went into greater detail with his thoughts.
At first, McShay said that Moore wasn't really part of his top group of quarterbacks because he lacked experience after playing half a season at UCLA.
"He hadn't played since five starts at UCLA, and it was a disaster," McShay said. "He transferred to Oregon, sat and got into a competition in the preseason and there were reports he might not win the job...so I didn't expect much from this Dante Moore guy at Oregon."
But Moore did win the job coming out of camp and has not looked back. He is putting on a show with his arm, throwing for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns, but the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder from Detroit can also make plays with his legs. Moore's performance last week against Penn State showed the country exactly why his stock is rising.
Easy to see why Dante Moore was a former 5-star recruit. This kid is still so young -- only nine career college starts.
— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) September 29, 2025
But you see the flashes.
Pocket movement and escapability while keeping eyes downfield in a hostile road environment? Check. pic.twitter.com/s2TodX6ZJF
"I put on the tape before the Penn State game to prepare...and he's the guy. Now he's only got 10 starts, but he's making NFL throws. He's mobile. He's calm. He's layering the ball. The touch. The anticipation. All the things you look for from a quarterback," McShay explained. "Oregon's got the best quarterback in the country, and it's Dante Moore."
McShay hopes Moore stays for a while
While conceding that Moore could easily be the first player selected overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, McShay would like to see the sophomore stay for at least one more year to get additional starts in college. He cites players that had additional years in college, like Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, and have experienced early success in the NFL.
"All the quarterbacks that have had early success...they've all had 50-60 starts in college, so I want Dante Moore back. But I'm telling you now, if the NFL Draft was being held next week, I think he might be the first overall pick," McShay concluded.