Dante Moore is an American college football quarterback for the Oregon Ducks and one of the most highly regarded young quarterbacks in college football. A former five-star recruit from Detroit, Moore entered the 2026 season as one of the leading quarterbacks in the country and a prominent name in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
His path to Oregon began with an extraordinary high school career at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit. He initially committed to UCLA as one of the top recruits in the 2023 class, started his freshman season for the Bruins, and then transferred to Oregon after one season. His development in Eugene turned him into a major college football prospect and potential first-round NFL Draft selection.
Moore became the center of national sports attention again on September 26, 2026, when he suffered a concussion during Oregon’s game against USC after a hit from linebacker Desman Stephens II. He was taken from the field on a stretcher and transported to a Los Angeles hospital. As of September 27, reports indicated that he had avoided additional injuries beyond the concussion and was expected to return at some point during the season, although there was no immediate timetable for his return.
Dante Moore Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dante Moore |
| Date of Birth | May 24, 2005 |
| Age | 21 |
| Birthplace | East Cleveland, Ohio, United States |
| Hometown | Detroit, Michigan |
| Profession | College Football Quarterback |
| Current Team | Oregon Ducks |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Jersey Number | 5 |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| High School | Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School |
| Previous College | UCLA |
| Current College | University of Oregon |
| Recruiting Status | Five-star recruit |
| 2025 Recognition | Third-Team All-Big Ten |
| 2026 NIL Valuation | Approximately $5 million |
| @dantemoore | |
| Religion | Christian, according to supplied biographical information |
| Current Injury | Concussion sustained against USC on September 26, 2026 |
Dante Moore Early Life
Dante Moore was born on May 24, 2005, in East Cleveland, Ohio. Although his birthplace is in Ohio, he grew up in the Detroit area and eventually attended Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit, where his football career developed rapidly.
Moore began attracting attention as a quarterback at an unusually young age. According to his recruiting profile, he received a college scholarship offer from Michigan before he had even played a varsity football game and had been working with former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner from a young age. His development was also supported by specialized quarterback training.
At Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, Moore established himself as one of the country’s premier quarterback prospects. His combination of arm strength, accuracy, mobility and decision-making made him a five-star recruit and one of the most heavily recruited players in the 2023 class.
Dante Moore Education
Moore attended Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit, Michigan. His high school career made him a nationally recognized recruit, with major college programs competing for his commitment.
He ultimately committed to UCLA and enrolled with the Bruins for the 2023 season. As a true freshman, he started nine games and completed 114 of 213 passes for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
After his freshman season, Moore entered the transfer portal and chose Oregon. The move gave him an opportunity to continue his development in a program competing at the highest level of college football.
Dante Moore Career
Dante Moore entered high school football with significant expectations and quickly became one of the leading quarterbacks in the country. His performance at Martin Luther King Jr. High School made him a five-star prospect and a major target for Power Five programs.
He committed to UCLA and began his college career in 2023. Moore started nine games as a freshman and demonstrated both the talent and inconsistency normally associated with a young quarterback playing at the highest level.
During his freshman campaign, he threw for 1,610 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 53.5 percent of his passes. The experience gave him his first exposure to major college football before he entered the transfer portal.
Moore transferred to Oregon in 2024. His first season with the Ducks was limited as he adjusted to the program and its quarterback depth, appearing in five games and completing seven of eight passes for 49 yards.
His role changed dramatically in 2025. Moore became Oregon’s starting quarterback and emerged as one of the leading passers in the Big Ten.
He completed 296 of 412 passes for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns against 10 interceptions during the 2025 regular season. He also contributed 156 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
His performance earned him Third-Team All-Big Ten recognition and helped Oregon reach the College Football Playoff semifinal. The season also changed the way NFL scouts and college football analysts viewed him, with Moore increasingly discussed as a potential early selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Moore chose to return to Oregon for the 2026 season rather than enter the NFL Draft. His decision was significant because he was already viewed as having professional-level potential, and the new NIL environment allowed him to remain in college while continuing to develop and earn money from his name, image and likeness.
He entered the 2026 season as one of the most prominent quarterbacks in college football. Oregon’s roster lists him as a senior and gives him a height of 6 feet 3 inches and weight of 220 pounds.
His start to the 2026 season was statistically strong. Through Oregon’s first three games before the USC matchup, Moore had completed 61 of 89 passes for 849 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions. His 68.5 percent completion rate and 182.04 passer rating placed him among the most productive quarterbacks in the early season.
Against Boise State on September 5, Moore completed 28 of 37 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns. He followed that with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma State before throwing for 280 yards and four touchdowns against Portland State.
His performances strengthened his status as a Heisman candidate and one of the leading quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft class.
Oregon’s 2026 campaign brought Moore into a nationally significant rivalry game against USC on September 26. The Ducks defeated the Trojans 41-27 in Los Angeles, but Moore’s night ended early after a serious-looking collision.
While attempting to slide during the second quarter, Moore was struck in the head by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II. Stephens was ejected for targeting. Moore remained down while medical personnel attended to him before he was placed on a stretcher and taken to an ambulance.
CBS Sports subsequently reported that Moore had suffered a concussion and was believed to have avoided additional injuries. He was expected to enter concussion protocol, with no immediate timetable established for his return.
USC later suspended Stephens for one game and issued a statement regarding the incident. Stephens also apologized publicly for his reaction following the hit.
Before the injury, Moore’s 2026 season had established him as one of Oregon’s most important players and one of the most closely watched quarterbacks in college football.
Dante Moore Trending: September 2026 Concussion After Hit by USC’s Desman Stephens II
Dante Moore is trending nationally after the frightening injury he suffered during Oregon’s 41-27 victory over USC on September 26, 2026.
The incident occurred in the second quarter when Moore attempted to slide after running with the football. USC linebacker Desman Stephens II continued toward him and struck him in the head. The play resulted in an immediate targeting penalty and Stephens’ ejection from the game.
Moore remained on the field for several minutes while Oregon’s medical staff treated him. He was eventually placed on a stretcher and secured in a neck brace before being transported by ambulance to Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Television footage showed an involuntary arm and hand posture after the impact, which prompted widespread discussion of the so-called fencing response. A fencing response can occur following certain serious neurological injuries, but its presence alone does not establish the severity or specific nature of an individual’s brain injury.
The subsequent medical update was considerably more reassuring. CBS Sports reported on September 27 that Moore had suffered a concussion and was believed to have avoided additional injuries. He was expected to undergo concussion protocol, but doctors and the team had not established an immediate return date.
Moore’s injury became a major national sports story because he entered the season as one of college football’s most prominent quarterbacks and potential NFL prospects. His health and eventual return are therefore being closely followed by Oregon supporters, NFL scouts and college football audiences.
Dante Moore Personal Life
Moore has generally kept his personal life relatively private compared with many high-profile college athletes. His public profile is centered primarily on football, NIL partnerships and his development as a quarterback.
His mother, Jera Moore, has been identified in recruiting coverage and lives in Ohio. Moore’s family supported his football development from an early age, while specialized coaching helped him develop his quarterback mechanics.
Outside football, Moore has said that he enjoys gaming and bowling. He has also maintained a significant social-media presence, particularly on Instagram, where he shares football-related content and partnerships.
Dante Moore Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Dante Moore was born on May 24, 2005, making him 21 years old in September 2026. He was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, although Oregon officially identifies Detroit, Michigan, as his hometown.
Moore is American. He has a Christian religious background according to the supplied biographical information, although his personal religious practice has not been extensively documented in major public sources.
Oregon lists Moore at 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds. He has the athletic build associated with a modern college quarterback, combining a strong frame with the mobility required to extend plays outside the pocket.
Dante Moore Social Media Presence
Dante Moore is active on Instagram under the handle @dantemoore. His social-media presence focuses heavily on football, training, team activities, commercial partnerships and aspects of his life as a major college athlete.
His social-media following has also become part of his NIL value. Companies can use his athletic profile and digital audience to build marketing campaigns aimed at college football fans.
Moore has already secured NIL partnerships with major brands. In August 2026, Celsius announced a partnership with him alongside other prominent college football players, adding another major brand relationship to his existing portfolio.
Dante Moore Net Worth
Dante Moore’s exact personal net worth is not publicly known. Unlike professional athletes, college players do not generally publish complete financial statements showing their savings, investments, taxes and private contracts.
His NIL earning potential, however, is substantial. On3’s NIL rankings, last updated September 26, 2026, valued Moore at approximately $5 million, placing him fourth overall in the On3 NIL 100. This figure represents an estimated NIL valuation rather than his confirmed personal wealth or annual salary.
Moore’s NIL portfolio includes partnerships with brands such as Celsius, Panini America, Beats by Dre and Nike. Given these commercial agreements and his reported $5 million NIL valuation, it is reasonable to describe him as a seven-figure college athlete financially, but his actual net worth could be considerably different from the valuation.
Dante Moore Legacy
Dante Moore’s football legacy is still being written, but his development has already followed an unusual path. He went from a five-star Detroit high school prospect to a UCLA starter before transferring to Oregon and developing into a major Big Ten quarterback.
His 2025 season was particularly important in establishing his national reputation. Throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns while helping Oregon reach the College Football Playoff positioned him among the most closely watched quarterbacks entering the 2026 season.
His decision to return to Oregon rather than immediately pursue the NFL also illustrates the changing economics of college athletics. Through NIL opportunities, Moore has been able to continue developing his football career while earning significant commercial value before becoming a professional player.
Conclusion
Dante Moore has developed from a five-star Detroit quarterback prospect into one of the leading quarterbacks in college football. His transfer from UCLA to Oregon, breakout 2025 season and strong start to 2026 established him as a major Heisman and NFL Draft prospect. His September 2026 concussion against USC temporarily interrupted that campaign, but early medical reports indicated no additional injuries beyond the concussion. With his football talent, national profile and approximately $5 million On3 NIL valuation, Moore remains one of the most closely watched young players in American college football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dante Moore
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 on May 24, 2005, making him 21 years old in 2026.
Where was Dante Moore born?
He was born in East Cleveland, Ohio.
Where did Dante Moore grow up?
He grew up in the Detroit, Michigan area and attended Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School in Detroit.
What position does Dante Moore play?
He plays quarterback.
What number does Dante Moore wear?
He wears No. 5 for the Oregon Ducks.
How tall is Dante Moore?
Oregon lists Dante Moore at 6 feet 3 inches tall.
How much does Dante Moore weigh?
Oregon currently lists him at 220 pounds.
Which college did Dante Moore attend first?
He originally attended UCLA, where he played during the 2023 season.
When did Dante Moore transfer to Oregon?
He transferred to Oregon after his freshman season at UCLA and joined the Ducks in 2024.
Was Dante Moore a five-star recruit?
Yes. He was one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits in the 2023 class.
What was Dante Moore’s 2025 record?
In 2025, Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns with 10 interceptions for Oregon.
Is Dante Moore a Heisman Trophy candidate?
Yes. He entered the 2026 season as one of the quarterbacks being discussed in the Heisman Trophy race.
Is Dante Moore an NFL Draft prospect?
Yes. Moore is widely regarded as a potential high-level prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.
What happened to Dante Moore against USC?
He suffered a concussion after being hit in the head by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II during Oregon’s September 26, 2026 game against USC.
Was Dante Moore taken to the hospital?
Yes. He was removed from the field on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a Los Angeles hospital.
What injury did Dante Moore suffer?
Reports on September 27, 2026 said that Moore suffered a concussion and was believed to have avoided additional injuries.
Will Dante Moore return to play in 2026?
He is expected to return at some point during the season, according to reports, but there was no immediate timetable as of September 27. He must go through concussion protocol before returning to competition.
What is the fencing response seen after Dante Moore’s hit?
The fencing response is an involuntary positioning of the arms that can occur after certain neurological injuries. Its appearance does not by itself determine the exact severity of a brain injury.
What is Dante Moore’s NIL valuation?
On3’s September 26, 2026 NIL rankings list his valuation at approximately $5 million.
Is Dante Moore worth $5 million?
The $5 million figure is an NIL valuation, not a confirmed personal net-worth figure. It estimates his potential value in the NIL market over a period of time.
What brands has Dante Moore partnered with?
His reported NIL portfolio includes Celsius, Panini America, Beats by Dre and Nike.
Does Dante Moore have Instagram?
Yes. His Instagram handle is @dantemoore.
Is Dante Moore Christian?
He is described as Christian in the supplied biographical information, although detailed information about his personal religious practice is limited.
What is Dante Moore famous for?
He is known for being a highly rated college football quarterback, his five-star recruiting status, his transfer from UCLA to Oregon, his 2025 breakout season and his status as a leading 2027 NFL Draft prospect.