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Dante Moore Strengthens No. 1 Pick Case With Four-TD Win Over JMU

His playoff outing has intensified evaluations as he weighs declaring for the 2026 draft.

Overview

  • Oregon beat James Madison 51-34 as Moore went 19-of-27 for 313 yards with four passing touchdowns, two interceptions and a five-yard rushing score.
  • The Athletic’s Dane Brugler reports the momentum for Moore to be the No. 1 pick in 2026 is “very real” following his late-season surge.
  • Bleacher Report notes a 2026 quarterback class without a clear consensus leader, a context that has boosted Moore’s positioning near the top of big boards.
  • Moore has told reporters he has not decided on entering the draft, with factors including NIL earnings estimated at $2.3 million by On3 and OC Will Stein’s post-playoff exit to the Kentucky head coaching job.
  • Public grades remain split, with Draft Network listing Moore as a Round 3 prospect even as other evaluators rank him among the top quarterbacks based on arm talent, accuracy and mobility.