The rhythm of the college football season is starting to settle in, and each week we see new names rise into the devy conversation. In Devy Deep Dive – Player of the Week, I spotlight one standout whose performance deserves a closer look—breaking down what it means for his draft stock, devy value, and long-term outlook.
This week, that spotlight shifts to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who delivered a statement performance in the Ducks’ huge win over Penn State and reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the most talented passers in the 2026 class.
Player Introduction & Context
The Heisman race has been a revolving door through the first month of the season, with new names emerging each week. After Week 5’s slate of marquee matchups, it was Dante Moore who surged to the top of the conversation. The Oregon quarterback delivered a signature performance in the Ducks’ 30–24 double-overtime win at Penn State, a victory that not only kept Oregon undefeated at 5–0 but also vaulted Moore to +750 odds as the new Heisman favorite.
Against one of the toughest atmospheres in college football — a white-out crowd of over 112,000 in Beaver Stadium — Moore showed poise and command beyond his years. He finished 29-of-39 for 248 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 35 rushing yards on 10 carries, including several key conversions in overtime. Oregon converted seven fourth downs on the night, and Moore was the steady hand behind nearly all of them.
This game represented how far Moore has come since his freshman year at UCLA, where inconsistency plagued his debut season (53.5% completion rate, 11 TDs, 9 INTs). At Oregon, he looks like a different quarterback — sharper, calmer, and more in control. Through five games, he’s completing 74.6% of his passes for 1,210 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just one interception, easily the best stretch of his young career.
Head coach Dan Lanning didn’t mince words after the win: “I think we have the best quarterback in college football. Anybody watch that game? That guy’s composure, his poise… tells you a little bit about that guy.”
Moore’s teammates have echoed the same sentiment, praising his calm demeanor and leadership. The former five-star recruit was always going to be judged by how he performed against elite defenses, and in Week 5 he answered the call. Every time Oregon needed a big play, Moore delivered — whether it was evading sacks, ripping off clutch runs, or threading tight-window throws.
With Oregon sitting at 5–0 and Moore leading the nation’s Heisman odds, the Ducks not only left Happy Valley with a season-defining win — they may have also left with the nation’s best quarterback guiding their playoff push.
Film Room – What the Tape Shows 🎥
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