Despite elite draft stock and Heisman potential, the Oregon Ducks’ rising star unexpectedly trails Ohio State’s Julian Sayin in a new national poll ahead of a high-stakes season.
Around the NFL, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore appears to be the darling heading into the upcoming season.
Moore, who would have likely been the second quarterback taken off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to be the No. 1 prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft before the start of the college football season this fall.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning could eclipse Moore, but the Oregon quarterback played better than him consistently last season, and if cleans up his turnover problem in big games, he could be the best quarterback for the 2027 class.
However, not everyone is ready to anoint Moore or Manning as the best quarterback in college football. Paul Myerberg of USA Today ranked Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin as the No. 1 QB, with Moore sitting at No. 2. Manning is at No. 3.
"Moore might have been taken among the first few picks of last month’s draft but did himself a huge favor by returning for another year.," Myerberg wrote.
"After a tumultuous close to last season that saw the Ducks bombarded by the Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff, Moore should solidify his place among the top players in the country thanks to increased familiarity with a scheme that shouldn’t change too much under new coordinator Drew Mehringer."
Sayin has the best offensive weapon in the sport, with Jeremiah Smith returning to Ohio State for the upcoming season. Smith should be the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this season.
With that being said, Sayin had a productive year in 2025, his first season as a starter, but he was more of a game manager in big contests. He would have to make a major lead this fall to be a better quarterback than Manning or Moore.
Myerberg even admitted that Sayin has the "inside track" for a Heisman run because of his supporting cast on offense.
Moore will have plenty of exciting players to target this fall, and that should help his case to be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Evan Stewart and Dakorien Moore could be key to the Ducks making and winning the national championship.
