From the moment he began practicing with the Oregon Ducks in the spring, it was evident that wide receiver Dakorien Moore would have an impact — and soon. It didn't matter that the wide receiver was just 18 years old and entering his first season in college football.
Through five weeks in the 2025 season, Moore has emerged as the go-to target for quarterback Dante Moore . He holds team-highs in catches (19), receiving yards (296), and is tied for third in receiving touchdowns (2) while also adding 42 yards and a score on the ground.
In the Ducks ' biggest game of the season against Penn State , Moore had his best game. He caught seven passes for 89 yards, standing out in front of a raucous crowd in Happy Valley. It didn't seem to faze him in the slightest, as he had a crucial role in Oregon 's 30-24 double overtime victory.
His excellence early in the season earned him a spot on ESPN's ranking of the top true freshmen in college football thus far. Moore is listed as the seventh-best true freshman, coming behind four quarterbacks (former Duck and current Cal starter Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele among them), Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney , and two Maryland defensive ends, who were paired together in the ranking.
Writer Billy Tucker, who compiled the list, had this to say about Moore:
"Oregon thumped its first four opponents, curbing Moore's usage, but it's clear after the upset road win over Penn State that the Ducks can rely on the No. 1 receiver in the Class of 2025 as a top target," he said. "The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Moore led Oregon in receptions (7) and yards (89) in Saturday night's OT win and leads Oregon in receiving through five games. He has also fared quite well as a run blocker, helping alleviate some concern about the Ducks' receiver depth. Don't be surprised if this is just the beginning of his ascension this season, even as the Ducks' Big Ten schedule gets tougher."
Moore, who was the No. 1 receiver (per 247 Sports) in the 2025 class, is more than living up to expectations. If the season continues as it has for him and the Ducks, he'll be a household name in college football and a critical piece of a potential national championship run.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Dakorien Moore listed in ESPN's ranking of top true freshman in 2025
