The UCLA Bruins had one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country in Dante Moore, and they let him slip away.
The five-star recruit, the crown jewel of Chip Kelly’s 2023 class, showed flashes of elite talent as a true freshman. He helped the Bruins start 4-2 with wins over Coastal Carolina, San Diego State, and No. 13 Washington State, throwing for 290 yards twice in that stretch.
Sure, he was questionable at times, but what can you expect from a true freshman? His poise and arm talent gave UCLA fans hope that he could be the cornerstone of the program for years to come.
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But the program around him failed. Poor offensive line play left him under constant pressure, and a lack of in-game adjustments from the coaching staff stunted his growth. By the end of the year, the offense was broken, and Moore, despite finishing with 1,610 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, was left searching for stability and a chance to reach his potential.
Will Former UCLA Bruins QB Dante Moore Start At Oregon?
When Oregon came calling, Moore didn’t hesitate. He entered the portal and landed in Eugene, where a strong staff and a roster ready to win immediately in the Big Ten offered the kind of environment the UCLA Bruins could not provide.
Now, Moore is in a tight battle with Austin Novosad for the Ducks’ starting job. Reports out of camp suggest Moore’s arm strength and ability to create off script have stood out, but Novosad’s consistency has kept the competition close.
For UCLA, watching Moore thrive in Oregon’s system would be a tough reminder of what could have been. The Bruins had the talent but not the infrastructure to develop and keep him.
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For Moore, the move north represents a chance to reset and take control of a career that was nearly derailed by poor coaching and mismanagement in Westwood.
Moore is entering his Redshirt Sophomore season. Will he have what it takes to beat out Novosad for the starting job?
Thoughts, Bruin Nation? Comment below!