For the first time since the 2023 season, the Oregon Ducks will head into a new season with the same quarterback under center. Dante Moore passed on a potential early first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft to take care of some unfinished business in Eugene.
The Ducks are moving forward with Moore again this spring, and the expectations couldn't possibly be higher. After throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, the goal for Moore is not only to improve, but to bring a national championship home for the Ducks.
Oregon's offense is evolving under new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer and a host of new talent at wide receiver. Moore will still be throwing to Dakorien Moore and Jeremiah McClellan , and should benefit from the return of Evan Stewart and transfer portal addition Iverson Hooks. However, much of the responsibility for this offense will fall on Moore's shoulders this season. After two seasons in the offense, despite having new leadership this season, there isn't anywhere to hide the mistakes.
Moore is taking on a bigger leadership role this spring to help the Ducks make a smooth transition on offense. He took a quieter approach to being the team leader last season, but that appears to be changing in 2026. Coach Dan Lanning was impressed with his star quarterback's development as a leader to start the spring.
"Today it shifts a little bit, right?" Lanning said. "A great communicator, has a really good understanding of what we're trying to accomplish on the field. Obviously, the experience that he's able to lean on, but now the game speeds up, right? It's a difference in a walkthrough and everything going full speed. So, he's got to level up, right? But he's certainly stepping up from a leadership standpoint. He's a coach on the field. He's able to take advantage of that. But, you know, day one, there's an opportunity for us to get better."
Lanning's comments are a good reflection of what the Ducks are looking for this offseason. The team lost its vocal leaders in Dillon Thieneman , Bryce Boettcher , Noah Whittington and Kenyon Sadiq . Now, it has to be replaced, and there is no better person to take charge than the team's seasoned quarterback.
The Ducks will once again have a championship-caliber roster that is expected to contend within the Big Ten and play in the College Football Playoff for a third consecutive season. While the disappointment of how those seasons have ended remains for Moore, it's up to him to lead the way through the tough stretches of the season. This year, that includes visits to USC and Ohio State and, hopefully, a return to Indianapolis for the Big Ten title.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Ducks' Dante Moore taking on bigger leadership role in spring
