CFB analyst discloses how Oregon QB Dante Moore could slide into Heisman contention next season

The Oregon Ducks will ask quarterback Dante Moore to mirror the 2024 season by outgoing quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The veteran led the program to an undefeated record in the regular season before going down against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff.

Moore, who transferred from UCLA following the 2023 season, spent 2024 learning behind Gabriel. Now, with Gabriel off to the NFL, the Ducks are fully handing the reins of the offense to Moore.

Apart from team ambitions, Moore could feature among the Heisman candidates in 2025, joining the likes of Texas' Arch Manning and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier.

According to college football analyst RJ Young, Moore has what it takes to shine in 2025 and also win the Heisman Trophy.

“Dante Moore is going to get the full dose there, but if he plays well in that game, expect the Heisman conversation to really pick up around a guy that we’ve all known is really, really talented," Young said on his "Adapt & Respond" podcast.

(from 4:45 mark onwards)

Although Oregon lost star wide receiver Evan Stewart, Young argued that Moore still has plenty of weapons at his disposal.

"Given a year of sitting behind Dillon Gabriel, given a year of really trying to figure out where we might slot him in this new Big Ten, I think you're going to be in a great spot," Young continued.

"Does he have Evan Stewart? No, but he’s got dudes — among them, Malik Benson, Dorian Moore. They're going to have a stable running back room, they're going to have a great offensive line. He's got all the things there; it’s just him putting it together for what I think is going to be an outstanding season," he added.

Where does Dante Moore stack on Heisman Trophy oddsboard?

Dante Moore isn't the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy in 2025, but he is seen as a dark-horse candidate who could emerge as the season progresses.

On the oddsboard, Moore is a distant +1800 on FanDuel. But several Oregon alums feel Moore could have a breakout year.

Former Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson also has high hopes for Moore next season.

"He'll be a Heisman finalist next year," Johnson said of Moore at last year's Rose Bowl media day. "One-hundred percent. It's something you haven't seen yet. That boy can throw a ball like no other. I've never seen nothing like it."

True freshman WR Dakorien Moore echoed similar sentiments:

“I think he will win the Heisman this year. Just because of who he is."

Do you think Dante Moore will be in contention to win the Heisman Trophy next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

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Edited by Veer Badani