Dante Moore is one of the most fascinating quarterback prospects potentially entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The key word there is potential as Moore has absolutely lit it up in his first season as a starter for the Oregon Ducks, but just a sophomore it’s not a given that he will declare for the draft.
Moore’s journey started at Martin Luther king High School (MLK) in Detroit Michigan where he drew national attention by leading MLK to back-to-back Division III state championships. During that run, Moore passed for over 5,000 yards with 72 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions in that two-year span. Named the best recruit in his class by Sports Illustrated, Moore turned down Oregon initially to commit to ULCA.
Dante Moore: A journey from UCLA to Oregon
In aiming to become the first true freshman to start at UCLA, Moore had that quest halted when then-UCLA head coach Chip Kelly named junior Ethan Garbers the starter. Moore still got playing time in the opener. Moore got his first start a week later against San Diego State where he threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns in just three touchdowns. The performance didn’t cement Moore as the starter at UCLA. Although he showed more promise through that initial 2023 season, Moore decided to enter the transfer portal which led him back to Oregon.
In 2024 he played behind Dillon Gabriel and didn’t see much action, but his opportunity came in 2025 as the full starter for Oregon and he is shining for a No. 6 ranked Oregon team that has National Championship aspirations. If they accomplish that feat, Moore will likely declare for the draft where he would be projected as a top 5 pick.
Dante Moore NFL Draft profile
Position: Quarterback
College: Oregon Ducks
Height/Weight: 6-5, 206 lbs
Hometown: East Cleveland, OH
40-yard Dash: 4.65 seconds (unofficial)
2025 Stats (Regular Season): 2,190 passing yards, 21 TD, 5 INT, 72.8 Comp. % (*through Week 12)
Career Stats: 3,849 passing yards, 32 TD, 14 INT, 64.4 Comp %
Strengths:
- Has great arm talent with an ability to get the ball out quick. Arm strength allows him to deliver the ball in tight spaces with velocity and zip.
- Pocket presence stands out in his ability to feel pressure and manipulate the pocket.
- Has great a great deep ball delivery when he is not under pressure. Can get the ball over the top of defenses with touch and accuracy.
- Doesn’t get too hyped up in big moments. Stays composed which helps him deliver under the spotlight.
- Can see the field and make quick decisions.
- Competitive player with tremendous leadership qualities.
Weaknesses:
- Can be erratic when he is under pressure which can lead to turnovers.
- Although he can manipulate the pocket, not super athletic when it comes to scrambling outside the pocket or in extending plays with his legs.
- His thin flame has his durability under question. Does he have the endurance to take impact hits on the NFL level.
- Inconsistent with his accuracy on short passes.
NFL pro comparison:
It seems every year there is a player who draws comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. Due to his size and ability to make big plays under pressure, Moore could remind football fans of Mahomes, but from an overall perspective he has more of a Jordan Love feel to his game. Not super athletic, Moore won’t overwhelm defenses with his ability to make plays with his legs, but his arm strength, ability to make throws on the run and really drive the ball downfield. If he is drafted to an offense that already has playmakers around him and a solid offensive line, he will find success right away.
2026 NFL Draft projection
If Dante Moore declares, he will be a top 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He will have to compete with other top quarterback talent like Indiana’s Fernado Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson for top 3 status, but he will and should be a prospect high on many teams’ radars given his arm talent, competitiveness on the field and natural ability as a leader.
Moore will still need to bulk up a bit at the NFL level, but if he does and he strengthens certain weaknesses such as short pass accuracy and dual-threat ability, he has the overall tools to be a top 10 quarterback in the NFL for years to come.