Dante Moore was one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, but he must fix this to help Oregon take the next step.
The Oregon Ducks were one of college football's best teams last year, and this year is shaping up to look very much the same as they are set to return 66% of their total production from last season.
While they're losing some key pieces from last year's team, like Kenyon Sadiq, Dillon Thieneman, Jadon Canady, and more, they're also bringing back loads of talent.
Arguably, the most notable name returning to Eugene next season is going to be quarterback Dante Moore. Moore was looking set to be the number two or, at a minimum, top-10 pick in this upcoming draft, but chose to come back to Oregon.
Much of their success last season was due to Moore, as he finished with 3,565 passing yards (T-12th), 30 touchdowns (T-6th), and had a passer rating of 163.7 (9th). Him announcing his return this upcoming season instantly vaulted the Ducks into contender status for the 2026-27 season.
If Oregon wants to take the next step this season and win a national championship, although he's been fantastic, Dante Moore will need to clean up this statistic to do so.
Dante Moore Must Turn the Ball Over Less in 2026-27
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) fumbles against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesThe Oregon Ducks have talent littered all over the field, but like most teams, they'll go as far as their quarterback will take them. Oregon is going to be great regardless, but if they want to be the best, Dante Moore will have to clean up this part of his game.
During the 2025-26 season, Dante Moore turned the ball over a bit too much. He recorded 10 total interceptions (T-6th most) and 7 fumbles (T-4th most), although he only lost one of them. It wasn't just that he turned the ball over; it was when.
Four total interceptions in three College Football Playoff games, and two earlier in the season when they played Indiana the first time. It's a testament to his talent and confidence, but sometimes, he tried to fit balls into spaces that were too tight, especially with deep balls.
Moore chose to return to Oregon in search of a National Championship, absolutely, but he also returned to even further refine his game prior to his NFL career. If he wants to find success not just this season but into the NFL as well, he'll need to clean this up.
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