The Oregon Ducks are looking to “retool and reload” heading into the 2025 season. They’ll be led by former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore, who spent a year as Dillon Gabriel’s understudy, but many believe he’s primed for a breakout year.
Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore Listed as Breakout Candidate By CFB Analyst
Heading into the 2024 season, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was preparing for a role he had never filled before: backup quarterback.
A former five-star recruit from Detroit, Mich., Moore was the fourth-ranked player in the country for the 2023 class. Originally committing to the Ducks out of high school, he flipped his commitment to the UCLA Bruins ahead of his freshman season.
He saw the field right away for the Bruins, starting five games and appearing in nine. However, he completed only 53.5% of his passes for 1,610 yards, throwing 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Coming in with high expectations, the 2023 campaign was a major disappointment for the young passer. At the conclusion of the season, he entered the transfer portal—committing once again to the Ducks.
Oregon’s starter at the time was Dillon Gabriel, who just happened to be one of the most accomplished players in college football history. Moore spent a season as the understudy, learning the ways of a successful, cerebral quarterback.
Moore appeared in only four games for the Ducks, completing seven of eight passes for 49 yards—all in mop-up duty. The team had a tremendous season, ranking No. 1 in the nation for the second half of the regular season.
With Gabriel now gone, Moore must show the nation what his year in the shadows did for his confidence, skills, and overall play.
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson made headlines at the Rose Bowl when he claimed Moore would win the 2025 Heisman Trophy, having seen the QB’s sheer display of talent in practice all season.
On3 Sports’ Ari Wasserman recently crafted a list of college football players with breakout potential. Moore was one of the headliners.
NEW: College Football Players with Breakout Potential in 2025 via @AriWasserman📈
Anyone missing? 🤔https://t.co/ezckeNQEex pic.twitter.com/uOr2EECTiv
— On3 (@On3sports) February 12, 2025
With three years of eligibility remaining, he’ll likely be the Ducks’ starter for the near future.
The Ducks lost many contributors after a disappointing end to the 2024 season, but they have also retooled extremely well, bringing in the fourth-best transfer portal class in the country, according to 247 Sports.
MORE ON THE DUCKS: Incoming Oregon Ducks Dynamo Dakorien Moore Wows College Football World With Insane Polynesian Bowl Touchdown Grab
With high expectations heading into the 2025 season, the pressure is on for Moore to perform well right away. This chance to avenge his disappointing freshman year and showcase what he learned in a year away from the spotlight will be a valuable opportunity for the NFL hopeful.
Moore and his Ducks will kick off the 2025 season with a homestand against FCS powerhouse Montana State on Aug. 30.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
