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The buzz surrounding Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has reached a fever pitch, with NFL scouts flocking to witness his talent firsthand. As the No. 6 Ducks prepare for a pivotal top-10 clash against the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, all eyes are on Moore, whose NFL Draft stock has soared in the initial weeks of the season. A new mock draft has now cemented his status as a potential first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, with an impressive performance against Penn State poised to further elevate his projection.
Moore to the Steel City? A Steelers’ Future Franchise Quarterback?
According to Mike Renner of CBS Sports, Dante Moore is projected to land with the Pittsburgh Steelers as the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This places him among the first quarterbacks off the board, following Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, and Oklahoma’s John Mateer. The Steelers, currently led by veteran Aaron Rodgers, are reportedly anticipating Rodgers’ final season, making the search for a successor a top priority. Moore’s potential arrival in Pittsburgh could signal a new era for the franchise.
A Breakout Season for Moore
After a challenging true freshman season with the UCLA Bruins and a year behind Dillon Gabriel for the Ducks in 2024, Moore has exploded onto the scene in the 2025 season. Through four games, he has impressed with 962 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and just one interception. Furthermore, his development in the run game has been significant, adding 87 rushing yards to his impressive stat line.
Renner lauded Moore as “the breakout star at the quarterback position this season,” emphasizing that “if he continues to impress this weekend against Penn State, Moore could even soar higher” in draft projections. This upcoming “White Out” game against a formidable Penn State defense will be a crucial test for Moore to solidify his standing as a top-tier prospect.
Beyond Moore, other notable quarterback prospects for the 2026 draft include South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Penn State’s own Drew Allar, making the competition at the top fierce. For more insights into the upcoming draft, explore resources like NFL Draft Buzz.
Three Ducks in the First Round? Uiagalelei and Sadiq Also Drawing Attention
Dante Moore isn’t the only Oregon player generating first-round buzz. Edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei and tight end Kenyon Sadiq are consistently mentioned as potential first-round picks in various mock drafts, and their performances in the White Out game will be closely scrutinized by scouts.
Kenyon Sadiq: A Rising Star at Tight End
Renner projects Kenyon Sadiq to be selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 29th pick. Sadiq, like Moore, is enjoying a breakout season in his third year. He has recorded nine receptions for 155 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 17.2 yards per reception. His efficiency as a pass-catcher, coupled with his dominance as a run-blocker, makes him an attractive prospect. With Eagles’ starting tight end Dallas Goedert approaching free agency, Sadiq could be a long-term solution for the franchise.
Matayo Uiagalelei: A Dominant Edge Rusher
Matayo Uiagalelei is another compelling first-round prospect for Oregon. Coming off a strong 2024 season with 38 total tackles and 10.5 sacks, he has continued his impressive play in 2025, tallying seven total tackles, three sacks, and a pass deflection through four games. Renner predicts Uiagalelei to join Moore and Sadiq in the first round, going No. 17 overall to the Indianapolis Colts. His ability to consistently pressure the quarterback makes him a valuable asset for any NFL defense.
The upcoming matchup against Penn State is not just a critical game for the Ducks’ playoff aspirations but also a prime opportunity for Moore, Uiagalelei, and Sadiq to showcase their talents on a national stage and solidify their positions as top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
