Dante Moore is an American college football quarterback who plays for the Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Conference. He started his college career at UCLA, then transferred to Oregon and became the Ducks’ starting quarterback. His big breakthrough came in the 2025 season when he started all 15 games and helped Oregon reach the College Football Playoff semifinal.
As of the 2026 season, Moore is a senior quarterback at Oregon, wearing No. 5. The Ducks list him at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, with Detroit, Michigan as his hometown.
Who Is Dante Moore?
Dante Moore is a college football quarterback known for his passing accuracy and development at Oregon. He was one of the top quarterback recruits in the 2023 class before starting his college career at UCLA.
After one season with the Bruins, Moore transferred to Oregon in December 2023. He spent the 2024 season learning behind veteran quarterback Dillon Gabriel before taking over as Oregon’s starter in 2025.
His first full season as the starter became his most productive college season up to that point. In 2025, Moore completed 296 of 412 passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, finishing with a 71.8% completion rate. He started all 15 games as Oregon reached the CFP semifinal.
Early Life
Dante Moore was born on May 24, 2005, in East Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up in nearby Elyria before eventually moving to Detroit, Michigan.
After moving to Detroit, Moore attended Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, where his football career started getting national attention. His development as a quarterback took off in high school. He combined passing accuracy with a strong arm and became one of the most heavily recruited quarterbacks in the country.
He entered high school weighing much less than he did later, and his physical growth over the next few years went along with his rise as a national prospect.
High School Career
Moore played high school football at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit.
His junior season was especially strong. He passed for about 3,050 yards and 40 touchdowns while helping Martin Luther King win a Michigan state championship.
During his senior season in 2022, Moore completed 175 of 252 passes for 2,392 yards, 32 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He again helped Martin Luther King win the Michigan Division 3 state championship.
In the state championship game against Muskegon, Moore completed 21 of 26 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns, helping Martin Luther King win 56–27.
By the end of high school, Moore had accumulated 9,880 passing yards and 135 touchdown passes. His performances made him one of the highest-rated quarterback prospects in the country.
Five-Star Quarterback Recruit
Moore entered the 2023 recruiting cycle as an elite national prospect. Recruiting services regarded him as a five-star quarterback and ranked him among the nation’s top overall players. His recruitment involved several major college football programs.
Moore initially committed to Oregon before eventually switching his commitment to UCLA. He signed with the Bruins in December 2022 and entered college football as one of the most highly regarded quarterback recruits in the country. His recruitment was significant for UCLA because Moore was considered one of the program’s highest-profile quarterback commitments.
Dante Moore at UCLA
Moore joined UCLA in 2023 as a true freshman.
He played in nine games and made five starts during his first college season. He completed 114 of 213 passes for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
His freshman season had some impressive performances as well as difficult moments. In a game against San Diego State, Moore completed 17 of 27 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. That performance tied a UCLA record for touchdown passes by a true freshman in a game.
However, his season became more difficult as the year went on, and he eventually lost the starting job. Moore entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season.
Transfer to Oregon
In December 2023, Moore announced he would transfer to Oregon. The move reunited him with a program that had recruited him heavily in high school.
Oregon already had an experienced quarterback in Dillon Gabriel, so Moore’s first season with the Ducks was mainly developmental. He appeared in three games during the 2024 season and completed 7 of 8 passes for 49 yards.
Rather than immediately taking over the starting role, Moore spent the season learning Oregon’s offensive system and preparing for a bigger opportunity.
Breakout 2025 Season
The 2025 season marked a major turning point in Moore’s career. He entered the season as Oregon’s starting quarterback and started all 15 games.
Moore completed:
- 296 passes
- 412 attempts
- 3,565 passing yards
- 30 touchdown passes
- 10 interceptions
- 71.8% completion rate
He also recorded 156 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
His 71.8% completion percentage ranked fourth nationally and was also fourth-best for a single season in Oregon history. His passing efficiency was another important part of his season. Oregon recorded his passer rating at approximately 163.72, which ranked eighth nationally.
Record-Setting Performance Against Minnesota
One of Moore’s most impressive statistical performances came against Minnesota. He completed 27 of 30 passes, producing a 90% completion rate. According to Oregon, that became the program’s single-game record for completion percentage. The performance showed the accuracy that became one of the defining parts of his 2025 season.
College Football Playoff Run
Moore’s first season as Oregon’s starting quarterback ended with a run to the College Football Playoff semifinal. Oregon’s 2025 team won its way into the expanded CFP and advanced through the quarterfinal round.
In the CFP quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl, Moore completed 26 of 33 passes for 234 yards and was named the game’s Offensive MVP. That performance became one of the most important moments of his 2025 college career.
Awards and Recognition
Moore received significant recognition after his 2025 season. His documented honors include:
- Third-team All-Big Ten selection by the media
- All-Big Ten honorable mention by coaches
- Capital One Orange Bowl Offensive MVP
- Maxwell Award semifinalist
- Manning Award finalist
- Walter Camp Player of the Year semifinalist
- Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award semifinalist
- Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week during the 2025 season
His performance also led to significant preseason recognition heading into 2026.
Why Dante Moore Returned to Oregon in 2026
After his breakout 2025 season, Moore had the option of entering the NFL Draft. Instead, he decided to return to Oregon for another season.
Moore announced in January 2026 that he would return to the Ducks. Oregon reported that he wanted to continue developing and make the decision on entering the NFL on his own terms. His return gave Oregon an experienced quarterback who had already started 15 games and led the program to the CFP semifinal.
Dante Moore in 2026
Moore entered the 2026 season as Oregon’s senior starting quarterback.
Oregon’s official roster lists him as:
- Number: 5
- Position: Quarterback
- Class: Senior
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
- High School: Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School
- Previous School: UCLA
He also entered 2026 with substantial preseason recognition. Among the honors and watch lists associated with Moore were the:
- Associated Press Preseason First-Team All-America
- Maxwell Award Watch List
- Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List
- Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List
- Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List
- Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
- Big Ten Preseason Honors
2026 Statistics
Through Oregon’s first three games of the 2026 season, Moore had completed 61 of 89 passes for 849 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception.
His completion percentage during that stretch was 68.54%, while his passer rating was 182.04.
His early-season statistics included:
| Statistic | 2026 Through 3 Games |
|---|---|
| Games | 3 |
| Completions | 61 |
| Attempts | 89 |
| Completion % | 68.54% |
| Passing Yards | 849 |
| Touchdowns | 9 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 182.04 |
| Average Yards/Game | 283.0 |
These numbers are current according to Oregon’s official 2026 cumulative statistics and can change as the season continues.
Playing Style
Moore’s game is centered heavily around his passing ability. His statistical profile shows strong completion efficiency, especially during his breakout 2025 season. His 71.8% completion rate ranked fourth nationally that year.
He can also contribute with his legs when needed. In 2025, he produced 156 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. His development at Oregon has also been important to his growth as a quarterback. After spending 2024 behind Dillon Gabriel, he entered 2025 with a much better understanding of the Ducks’ offensive system.
Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Moore’s college career statistics were:
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Passing Yards | TD | INT | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | UCLA | 9 | 5 | 1,610 | 11 | 9 | 53.5% |
| 2024 | Oregon | 3 | 0 | 49 | 0 | 0 | 87.5% |
| 2025 | Oregon | 15 | 15 | 3,565 | 30 | 10 | 71.8% |
Across those three seasons, Moore accumulated 5,224 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes, and 19 interceptions.
Height, Weight, and Age
Dante Moore was born on May 24, 2005, making him 21 years old as of September 2026.
His current Oregon roster lists him at:
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 220 pounds
Position: Quarterback
Jersey: No. 5
Earlier listings have shown different weights during his college career as his physical development continued.
Hometown and Education
Moore’s birthplace is East Cleveland, Ohio, and he grew up in nearby Elyria before moving to Detroit.
He attended Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit, where he established himself as an elite quarterback prospect. He later attended UCLA before transferring to Oregon.
His college path has therefore included:
Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School → UCLA → Oregon
NFL Future
Moore’s performance at Oregon has naturally generated interest in his professional football future. After his 2025 season, he had the opportunity to enter the NFL Draft but instead returned to Oregon for 2026. Oregon described him as a player who wanted to continue developing before making the move to professional football.
His eventual NFL draft position, professional team, and career cannot be known until those events actually occur. For now, his 2026 season represents another important stage in his development.
Personal Life
Moore’s publicly documented biography focuses mainly on his football career and development. Reliable public sources establish that he was born in East Cleveland, grew up in the Cleveland area, and later moved to Detroit, where he attended Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School. Detailed information about his private family life and relationships is not extensively documented by authoritative sources, so those details are not included here.
Career Timeline
2005
Dante Moore was born in East Cleveland, Ohio.
Childhood
He grew up in Elyria before moving to Detroit.
High School
Moore attended Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School and developed into an elite quarterback prospect.
2021
He became a prominent Michigan high-school football player and received major state-level recognition.
2022
Moore led Martin Luther King to another Michigan state championship and finished his high-school career with 9,880 passing yards and 135 touchdown passes.
2023
Moore began his college career at UCLA and made five starts as a true freshman.
2024
He transferred to Oregon and spent the season developing behind Dillon Gabriel.
2025
Moore became Oregon’s starting quarterback, started all 15 games, and helped the Ducks reach the College Football Playoff semifinal.
2026
Moore returned to Oregon for his senior season and entered the year with multiple major preseason honors and award watch-list selections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dante Moore?
Dante Moore is an American college football quarterback for the Oregon Ducks.
How old is Dante Moore?
Dante Moore was born May 24, 2005. As of September 2026, he is 21 years old.
Where was Dante Moore born?
He was born in East Cleveland, Ohio.
Where is Dante Moore from?
His hometown is Detroit, Michigan, according to Oregon’s official roster.
What position does Dante Moore play?
He plays quarterback.
What number is Dante Moore?
Moore wears No. 5 for Oregon.
What college did Dante Moore attend?
He played at UCLA in 2023 before transferring to Oregon in 2024.
How many touchdowns did Dante Moore throw in 2025?
He threw 30 touchdown passes during the 2025 season.
How many passing yards did Dante Moore have in 2025?
He passed for 3,565 yards during the 2025 season.
Is Dante Moore playing for Oregon in 2026?
Yes. Oregon’s 2026 roster lists Moore as a senior quarterback for the Ducks.
Did Dante Moore enter the NFL Draft?
He chose to return to Oregon for the 2026 season rather than enter the NFL Draft at that time.
Final Thoughts
Dante Moore’s football journey has taken him from East Cleveland and Elyria to Detroit, UCLA, and ultimately Oregon.
His rise began at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, where he became one of the country’s most highly regarded quarterback prospects. After an uneven freshman season at UCLA, Moore transferred to Oregon and spent 2024 developing behind Dillon Gabriel.
His opportunity arrived in 2025. Moore started all 15 games, threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns, completed 71.8% of his passes, and helped Oregon reach the College Football Playoff semifinal. He also earned Offensive MVP honors in the CFP quarterfinal at the Orange Bowl.
Rather than immediately move on to professional football, Moore returned to Oregon for the 2026 season. His senior campaign began with major preseason recognition and strong early statistics, continuing the next chapter of his college football career.
