Jul 31, 2026, 4:24 AM CUT

Oregon's star QB named the top contender for the Heisman Trophy

January 09, 2025: Oregon quarterback Dante Moore 5 during pregame of NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the Oregon Ducks and the Indiana Hoosiers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. /CSM Atlanta United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20260109_zma_c04_161 Copyright: xJohnxMersitsx

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore is heading into the 2026 season with a real chance to win the Heisman Trophy. A recent preseason ranking placed him among the top candidates, thanks to his strong play and Oregon’s chance to have a big season.

CBS Sports writer David Cobb released the ranking on June 11. He put Moore at the top of the 'Obvious Heisman Candidates' group after looking at each quarterback’s talent, experience, and the team around him.

“Moore turned down a chance to be one of the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to run it back with Oregon. With some better health for the Ducks' pass-catchers, he will likely surpass last year's totals of 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns,” Cobb wrote.

November 29, 2025: Oregon Ducks Quarterback Dante Moore 5 throws on the move during the NCAA, College League, USA Football game between the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies in Seattle WA. Oregon defeated Washington 26-14. / CSM Seattle United States - ZUMAc04_ 20251129_zma_c04_254 Copyright: xStevexFaberx

Moore had finished 2025 with only 10 interceptions and a 78.5 QBR. He had helped the Ducks post a 13-2 record and reach the playoff semifinals for the second straight year.

The CBS Sports June 11 list of 'Obvious Heisman Candidates' ranked Moore ahead of Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, and five other proven starters in its top Heisman group.

That order showed how strongly the outlet viewed Moore’s mix of skill, team success, and room to improve.

Oregon has surrounded Moore with wide receivers Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart, Jeremiah McClellan, and Iverson Hooks. Running backs Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., and tight end Jamari Johnson gives the offense more support.

However, while the Heisman talk placed Moore among the nation’s biggest stars, his return carries an even larger goal for Oregon.

Moore’s return gave Oregon a shot at history

Dante Moore described Oregon’s 2026 mission during an appearance on ESPN’s College Football Live. He said the Ducks had spent the offseason building more strength and speed as they prepared to reach the top of college football.

Head Coach Dan Lanning went 48-8 through four seasons, and Oregon finished inside the top six for three straight years. Yet the Ducks had not reached the final step, which made Moore’s extra season immensely important to the entire program.

“This upcoming year is going to be one that, for sure, we're going to chase history,” Moore said on ESPN’s College Football Live, as per DucksWire.

Moore spent the 2024 season learning behind veteran Dillon Gabriel before taking over the offense. Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola had entered a similar role and pushed Moore in practice while learning from Oregon’s established starter.

The Athletic also reported that many draft experts had projected Moore as the No. 2 pick in the latest NFL Draft, a spot that could have brought him nearly $50 million in guaranteed money.

However, Moore stayed to improve his pre-snap reads, prepare for the NFL, and give Oregon another chance to finish the job.

Could Moore turn that choice into the first national championship in Ducks history? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit