All eyes in Eugene are locked on the quarterback position as the 2026 season approaches, and for good reason. Oregon's Dante Moore, after a stellar debut season as the full-time starter, has decided to run it back—a move that instantly elevates the Ducks' national championship aspirations. His return, despite being a projected top-five NFL Draft pick, signals that unfinished business is on the mind of one of college football's premier talents.

That status was officially confirmed by CBS Sports analyst Brad Crawford, who recently ranked Moore as the top quarterback among all projected Power Conference starters for the upcoming campaign. It's a significant nod of respect, placing Moore above a loaded field and affirming the hype surrounding the former UCLA transfer.

The numbers from his 2025 season justify the top billing: 3,565 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, a stat line that propelled Oregon to the College Football Playoff semifinals. While he'll be adapting to a new offensive coordinator this fall, his proven arm talent and poise make him the centerpiece of an offense expected to light up scoreboards once again.

Moore's ranking sets the stage for some must-see quarterback duels, especially within the powerhouse Big Ten. He sits just ahead of Ohio State's Julian Sayin (ranked No. 2), setting up a colossal November showdown. The Ducks' treacherous late-season schedule also features clashes with Michigan and Washington, making Moore's performance the critical variable in Oregon's playoff equation.

Preseason rankings are, of course, just talk. But when that talk unanimously points to your quarterback being the nation's best, it creates a powerful expectation. For Oregon to navigate its brutal schedule and return to the sport's final four, they'll need Moore to play like the No. 1 guy he's been labeled. Based on his trajectory, the Ducks' faith—and the national spotlight—is well-placed.