UCLA’s biggest loss of the off-season is the biggest gain for conference foe Oregon.
Former Bruins’ true freshman quarterback Dante Moore, who entered the transfer portal in November, recently chose Oregon to be his new home. Finishing his first season with 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, Moore’s year was both promising and tumultuous at times. However, the newly minted Oregon Duck has a fresh start in Eugene and, according to his head coach, Dan Lanning, an opportunity to write his own story.
“It’s going to make for an interesting book for Dante when he writes it someday,” Lanning said.
5⭐️ QB Dante Moore's path to Oregon began with a Ducks commitment, a flip to UCLA & then a reunion a year later in the portal.
"It's going to make for an interesting book for Dante (Moore) when he writes it someday." – #Oregon HC Dan Lanning pic.twitter.com/GuwA8zAChG
— Emily Proud (@emily_proud) February 6, 2024
While Moore’s decision to transfer from UCLA certainly does not bode well for the Bruins, it likely bodes well for Moore.
Oregon has a long track record of developing young quarterbacks and making first-round picks out of them in the NFL. From Heisman winner Marcus Mariota to Los Angeles Chargers stud Justin Herbert, all the way to transfer product and projected first-round quarterback this year Bo Nix, there is a long list of successful signal-calling Ducks.
As the off-season rolls on, the Bruins will need to assess the quarterback talent on their own roster. Today, rising senior Ethan Garber appears to be the obvious choice for the starting job after a strong showing in 2023. But with lots of football to be played before the Bruins’ first game, it’s anyone’s job.