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Dante Moore’s Playoff Showcase Supercharges No. 1 Pick Buzz as Draft Decision Nears

Scouts and coaches tout the Oregon quarterback as a top selection despite no announcement on his plans.

Overview

  • Moore threw for 313 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions and added a rushing score in Oregon’s 51–34 College Football Playoff win over James Madison.
  • Per Opta Stats, he became the first player since 2020 to record three 20-yard TD passes and a rushing TD in a bowl game first half.
  • The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, via Bleacher Report, says momentum for Moore as the 2026 No. 1 overall pick is real, with OC Will Stein’s impending departure cited as a factor.
  • Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire called Moore “special” and said he would likely be the first quarterback taken if he declares, while ESPN’s Mel Kiper now ranks him No. 1 on his big board ahead of Fernando Mendoza.
  • Moore has not announced a decision about entering the draft, evaluations remain split—with Draft Network grading him as a Round 3 prospect—and On3 estimates his NIL value at about $2.3 million.