Oregon Ducks dynamic duo receive special preseason honor as they’re named to Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List
A pair of Oregon Ducks named to preseason watch list for prestigious award.
Oregon has been on a recent run with players contention to win postseason individual awards, and the trend might continue in 2025. Running back Makhi Hughes and quarterback Dante Moore were named to the preseason watch list for the Walter Camp Award Monday morning, and both players have a serious shot at winning the award with a strong season.
The preseason watch list consists of 45 players, and the Walter Camp Award is given to the most outstanding football player in the country. It is the fourth-oldest college football award, and one of the most prestigious.
The Walter Camp Award is the first to name Moore on a watch list while this is Hughes’ second as he was also named to the watch list for the Maxwell award. Both players enter the season with plenty of excitement, but also a healthy amount of expectations.
Dante Moore, Former Five Star Quarterback
Moore is currently in a quarterback battle with fellow teammates Austin Novosad and Luke Moga, but it would be a shock if Moore weren’t the week one starter for the Ducks when they take on Montana State. Moore, a former five-star quarterback recruit, transferred to Oregon in 2024 after playing his freshman year at UCLA.
While Moore may lack experience, his talent is undeniable. He has excellent arm strength, mobility, and excellent instincts. He flashes the ability to create in and out of structure, turning bad plays into big plays with his unique arm angles and ability to escape the pocket, making plays with his legs. Moore had the luxury of sitting and learning behind 2024 Walter Camp Award finalist Dillon Gabriel and should be one of the better quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
Makhi Hughes, Talented Transfer Running Back
Hughes enters the season as the Ducks’ number one back after transferring from Tulane last winter. Unlike Moore, Hughes is a well-established player who brings a ton of experience and reps to the fold. He was an All-AAC first-team selection in 2024 after he rushed for 1,401 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Look for Hughes and Moore to lead the Ducks’ backfield in 2025 and compete for post-season awards, while the Ducks look to defend their Big Ten Championship and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
