EUGENE, OR — The departure of several veteran players has led Oregon’s Dante Moore to take on a more prominent leadership role for the Ducks under center, while focusing on building team chemistry ahead of the 2025 season.
“A lot of seniors left. I don’t know, I think it was like 30, whatever it was. But a lot of those guys, of course, were vets and understood what it takes to be a winning football team and the things to do”, Moore said regarding the changing dynamic of the team. “This year, a lot of new faces.”
Moore understands the significance of embracing the leadership role this season for the Ducks.
“Coach [Dan] Lanning knows the recipe of how to become a great leader and how to be, you know, a great person vocally. And, you know, there’s somebody to watch every day to understand that’s a true leader.”
Moore spoke about what he learned last season and how he will carry that into this season by understanding his strengths and weaknesses and knowing that the responsibility of the team’s wins and losses will be looked at on him mostly. As he finds better ways to lead the Ducks to victories towards the Big Ten Championship and ultimately has an opportunity to compete for a National Championship, he will find better ways to help himself improve.
Moore stressed the importance of competition and bonding within the quarterback’s room.
“During this fall camp, it’s going to be, you know, a great time to connect with the team and be out there in the field. Of course, the quarterback room is always going to be competing. It’s how we are as a quarterback group. We’re always going to be teaching each other, helping each other out, and making sure that we all improve every day.“
Moore’s “silent assassin” mentality that head coach Dan Lanning mentioned during Big Ten Media Day is the route he’s taking into this season on and off the field.
“I mean, at the end of the day, the best player plays. And, of course, we have a great room, and I’m excited to keep competing and then understanding that the things I have to work on to get 1% better,” Moore said. “The best player wins and the best player plays in the game. So overall, we’re just ready to compete, have fun, and that’s the most important thing, having fun.”
He also ensures the building of synergy amongst the team in various ways to keep the team as one unit.
“I took the whole line out to go bowling. A lot of the offensive skills, you guys have probably seen the video of us flipping into the water. A lot of us having great times of that nature,” he said.
Moore comprehended the significance of ensuring that his tight end, Kenyon Sadiq, was taken care of, and his trust in Sadiq is priceless.
“I’ve always known that, give 18 the ball, regardless. I mean, ever since I came here, just seeing him, how much of a freak athlete he is, he’s just amazing at what he does. I mean, that makes sense. He’s the best tight end in the country. You might as well give him the ball. He knows what he can do with it. He’s just really competitive. He’s a really great guy. Always keeps a smile on his face. We have the same music taste, too, so that’s what I like about him.“
Moore has learned quite a bit in the last few years, and his maturity under center and off the field showcases that. The Ducks have a tall task this season to come close to what they accomplished in the regular season last year. However, if they desire to go beyond one bowl appearance, the goals have been set, the work has begun, and the execution has to improve every week in a very competitive Big Ten Conference.
