Dante Moore
- austinbignall07
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago

NFL Draft Profile: Dante Moore
Position:Â Quarterback | School:Â Oregon (via UCLA) | Class:Â Redshirt Sophomore
Height:Â 6'3" | Weight:Â 206 lbs | Archetype:Â Rhythm Gunslinger
College Career Summary
Dante Moore’s trajectory has been one of elite talent meeting a high-powered system. A former five-star recruit from Detroit, Moore originally signed with UCLA in 2023, where he became one of the few true freshmen in program history to start. After a rocky debut year in Westwood marked by high-variance play, he transferred to Oregon for the 2024 season.
After redshirting behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, Moore took the reins of the Ducks' offense in 2025. He orchestrated one of the most efficient passing attacks in the nation, leading Oregon to a 12-1 regular season and a deep College Football Playoff run. Moore silenced critics by drastically improving his decision-making while maintaining his "gunslinger" mentality. He finished the 2025 season as a finalist for several national awards, throwing for over 3,000 yards and establishing himself as a potential top-five pick for the 2026 NFL Draft.
2025 Season Statistical Highlights
Passing Yards:Â 3,046
Completion %:Â 72.4%
Touchdowns:Â 28 Passing, 2 Rushing
Interceptions:Â 8
Passer Rating:Â 170.1
2025 Game-by-Game Grades
Week | Opponent | Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT) | Grade | Scout's Notes |
1 | Montana State | 18/23, 213 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT | A- | Flawless distribution. Showed immediate command of the scheme. |
2 | Oklahoma State | 16/21, 266 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT | A | Aggressive and accurate. Shredded the secondary on deep crossers. |
3 | @ Northwestern | 16/20, 178 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT | B+ | Controlled game. One miscommunication led to a pick, but otherwise surgical. |
4 | @ Oregon State | 21/31, 305 Yds, 4 TD/0 INT | A+ | The Rivalry Statement. Put on a clinic in ball placement and velocity. |
5 | @ Penn State | 29/39, 248 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT | A | Poise under fire. Handled the "White Out" noise like a five-year veteran. |
6 | Indiana | 21/34, 186 Yds, 1 TD/2 INT | C- | Season Low. Struggled against Mendoza's Hoosiers; forced throws into coverage. |
7 | @ Rutgers | 15/20, 290 Yds, 4 TD/1 INT | A- | Bounce-back game. Averaged a staggering 14.5 yards per attempt. |
8 | Wisconsin | 9/15, 86 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT | B | Defensive slugfest. Didn't put up numbers but avoided the big mistake. |
9 | @ Iowa | 13/21, 112 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT | C+ | "Kinnick at night" effect. Found it difficult to find rhythm against elite DBs. |
10 | Minnesota | 27/30, 306 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT | A+ | Pure Efficiency. Completed 90% of his passes. Total mastery of the RPO. |
11 | USC | 22/30, 257 Yds, 2 TD/1 INT | B+ | Won the shootout. Displayed elite arm elasticity on off-platform throws. |
12 | @ Washington | 20/29, 286 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT | A | Clinical rivalry win. Controlled the tempo and iced the game in the 4th. |
CFP | James Madison | 19/27, 313 Yds, 4 TD/2 INT | A- | High variance but high production. Dominant vertical passing display. |
NFL Scouting Report
Strengths
Natural Arm Talent: Moore possesses a "live" arm with effortless velocity. He can make every NFL throw, from opposite-hash outs to 50-yard vertical shots with minimal wind-up.
Mechanical Polish: He has a compact, repeatable release that is among the quickest in the class. His footwork is rhythmic, allowing him to stay "in sync" with his receivers.
Anticipation & Touch:Â Unlike many college QBs, Moore doesn't wait for receivers to be open. He throws with elite anticipation, especially in the intermediate (10-20 yard) range.
Pocket Spatial Awareness:Â He has an uncanny feel for the rush. He navigates muddy pockets with subtle movements, maintaining his downfield vision.
Weaknesses
Interception Clusters:Â When Moore struggles, he tends to "press." He can fall into a rhythm of forcing throws into double coverage trying to spark a comeback.
Mechanics Under Heat:Â While generally poised, extreme interior pressure can cause his footwork to widen, leading to high-sailing passes.
Frame Density:Â At 206 lbs, scouts would like to see him add more "good weight" to better absorb hits from NFL-sized defensive ends.
Scheme Fit
Primary Fit: Vertical Spread / Air Raid. He is a perfect fit for a team like the Houston Texans or Detroit Lions that prioritizes timing, layered concepts, and taking calculated deep shots.
Scout's Final Word
"Dante Moore is the 'Pure Thrower' of the 2026 class. While Fernando Mendoza has the Heisman and the size, Moore has the arm elasticity and 'it' factor that scouts covet in a franchise gunslinger. His leap in efficiency at Oregon proved he can manage a complex offense without sacrificing his playmaking edge. He is a Day 1 starter with Top-5 overall upside."
Draft Projection:Â Top 10 Overall Selection (Round 1)





