Few positions in college football garner as much attention and drama as the quarterback. And it is quite obvious, the spotlight will shine brighter on those who hold the reins of the team’s offense. For Oregon, that was never a concern in 2024 when Dillon Gabriel was their guy under the center. Boy, did he deliver! 3,857 passing yards on a 72% completion rate. Add 30 touchdowns to the tally. The stuff of dreams. However, Dan Lanning’s QB1 has left for the pros, and that leads to a dilemma! Who’s the next guy under the center?
Oregon Ducks’ Head Coach Dan Lanning has proven himself to be one of the brightest coaches at such a young age. Since December 2021, Lanning has led the Ducks to an impressive 35-6 overall record in his initial three seasons. His first season brought a 10-3 mark and bowl victory, setting high standards. The second season saw a 12-2 record and more success. In 2024, he finished 13-1, won the Big Ten Championship, and made it to the College Football Playoff, setting new program records.
In the playoffs, Oregon, unfortunately, faced the juggernaut that was the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ryan Day’s men were looking to avenge their regular season loss, and it wasn’t a pretty sight for the Ducks. The game was over before it even started. Now, heading into the 2025 season, the first puzzle is at the QB position. Is it going to be Dante Moore or Austin Novosad?
Well, Moore, who transferred to Eugene from UCLA, had over 1600 yards in his freshman year. He featured in nine games for UCLA. Stats? 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. The worst bit? Dante Moore was sacked 16 times. That was not all on Moore as his O-line never stood a chance. In the 2024 season for the Ducks, Moore completed 7 of 8 passes at an 87.5% rate for 49 yards. The low numbers are understandable for a backup quarterback. However, he has a lot to work on. The most crucial task for Dante Moore is to earn Dan Lanning’s trust. And he’s putting in the work. Be it training with Wilson Love, Oregon’s head strength and conditioning coach, or spending time in the film room, the young QB is on the right track.
The head coach was about Moore recently. “You’ve coached a lot of quarterbacks in your day. What is it about him that’s maybe unique or different from some of the others?” Dan Lanning was asked this question in an interview with a Ducks reporter, Bri Amaran. To that, Lanning replied, “I think, um, well, Dante has all the ability in the world, has the arm talent. I’ve been pleased with like, just his intelligence to get us checked into a positive play.”
Lanning praised Moore’s arm talent, poise, and playmaking vision without drawing up specific plays. Before this interview, Dan Lanning had more words of wisdom for Dantre Moore.
In Eugene, Loving Football isn’t Optional
After years of watching players like Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel racking up the Heisman hype and playoff runs. Dan Lanning now turns to his favorite quarterback, Dante Moore- that redshirted sophomore with potentially more than actual snaps. As the Ducks gear up for a promising season, Moore is impressing everyone under Lanning’s guidance. Lanning recently shared a key message with Moore, emphasizing what it takes to succeed in Eugene.
This year, the Ducks have two players who redshirted last year, Dante Moore and Austin Novosad. Lanning’s four-word ultimatum is not limited to Moore only. Lanning pointed out on the Bussin’ With The Boys show on the 15th of April, Ultimately, to be a successful, you better love football, right?”
This statement speaks a lot about Dan Lanning as Oregon’s coach. It’s about heart, commitment, and passion for the game, going beyond talent and technique to transcend the scoreboard. Lanning’s threat goes beyond tactics to demand total commitment in a fast-moving, competitive era. “You better Love Football” is a warning and a battle cry.
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