Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore is establishing himself as one of the nations best and the country is starting to pay attention
Dante Moore’s Heisman Trophy odds are increasing by each passing week.
The Heisman Trophy race sees significant swings every September, and the 2025 season is already proving no different. Texas quarterback Arch Manning entered the year as the heavy favorite, but his odds dipped after a rocky opener against Ohio State. A five-touchdown rebound against San Jose State has him back in the mix, sitting fifth in the latest rankings. But just ahead of him is Oregon’s Dante Moore, who is quickly turning heads after a blazing start to the season.
Moore’s path to New York becoming clearer
Moore opened the year with +2000 odds to win the Heisman, but two weeks in, he’s vaulted up the board. His first start against Montana State showed efficiency and accuracy. Still, his performance in Oregon’s Week 2 win over Oklahoma State revealed another gear—he was explosive, composed, and looked every bit like a leader of a College Football Playoff contender.
What makes Moore’s rise even more impressive is how little starting experience he has under his belt. Despite only limited snaps before taking the reins this fall, the sophomore quarterback has looked comfortable in Dan Lanning’s system, spreading the ball around, protecting possessions, and making the kind of big throws that separate good quarterbacks from great ones. His ability to combine efficiency with deep-ball potential makes him especially dangerous in an offense loaded with playmakers.
Moore’s growth also bodes well for Oregon’s larger goals. The Ducks entered 2025 with expectations of competing for a Big Ten title and a playoff berth. To achieve that, they needed steady quarterback play. Through two weeks, Moore has delivered more than steadiness—he’s provided a spark. Oregon’s ceiling only gets higher if he continues developing at this rate.
Of course, the season is still young, and the challenges ahead in a loaded Big Ten will test both Moore and the Ducks. Defensive fronts will get tougher, secondaries will be faster, and the spotlight will grow brighter with each win. Still, if Moore maintains this trajectory, he won’t just be leading Oregon toward a potential playoff spot—he could find himself in New York City come December, following in the footsteps of Marcus Mariota as the next great Duck to contend for college football’s most prestigious award.
For now, two weeks in, Oregon has a quarterback who looks like the real deal—and the rest of the country is starting to take notice.
Oregon Ducks News
College analyst makes bold proclamation about Oregon Duck quarterback Dante Moore and on that could cement Oregon as a quarterback pipeline
BIG Ten Network analyst has high praise and makes a bold prediction about Oregon’s starting quarterback Dante Moore.
