There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the 2027 quarterback class. Following the impressive 2026 class, which delivered two first-round draft picks—Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson—and the 2025 class featuring Cam Ward and Jackson Dart, hopes are high. The NFL is really hoping this year’s group echoes the success of the 2024 class that had three QBs in the top picks and, notably, four NFL-ready starters like Caleb Williams and Jaden Daniels. Even those who seem to be on the periphery, like Michael Penix Jr. and JJ McCarthy, still have a shot at making it in the league.
At first glance, the 2027 cohort looks absolutely stacked in terms of talent and potential. Players like Arch Manning from Texas, Dante Moore from Oregon, Julian Sane from Ohio State, Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss, Lanoris Sellers from South Carolina, Drew Mestemaker from Oklahoma State, CJ Carr from Notre Dame, and Brendan Thorsby from Texas Tech—all of them have the credentials to vie for top spots. Of course, there’s also the possibility of unseen talents rising up to surprise everyone with their skills.
This gives NFL teams a wealth of at least eight options to consider come next year. However, it’s vital to remember that not all highly-touted prospects enjoy the success everyone expects from them. We’ve seen many promising players struggle once they hit the professional stage.
This analysis aims to explore each upcoming talent, examining both their past achievements and the steps they need to take to maximize their potential.
Having already discussed Arch Manning, let’s shift our focus to Dante Moore from Oregon. The talented junior began his college tenure at UCLA in 2023 and later transferred to the Ducks, where he primarily played behind Dillon Gabriel before seizing his opportunity in 2025. Over his season, Moore made 295 completions out of 412 attempts (a completion rate of 71.6%), racking up 3,550 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 111.8. Despite a somewhat underwhelming 2026 class, he chose to stay in school for another year.
On January 14—just days after the Ducks faced a loss to Indiana in the CFP semifinals—Moore reflected, “I’ve spent my life preparing for different situations. My decisions aim to benefit my circumstances, especially as a quarterback.” He further expressed, “It wasn’t an easy decision. I prayed a lot and consulted many people, including my coaches and other trusted figures. I know I can return to Oregon, play another year, and hopefully chase after that national championship.”
What would Moore’s trajectory look like as a 2026 draft prospect, and how might another year help him develop? Let’s find out.
Dante Moore in your pocket
In his last season, Moore achieved a 72.7% completion rate, throwing for 2,989 yards and accumulating 26 touchdowns against 10 interceptions when in the pocket, producing a passer rating of 109.9. While these numbers are solid, there’s certainly room for improvement. Moore’s biggest hurdle as a pocket passer is needing more speed; he often struggles with consistently making accurate reads and throws. Reducing complexity, both physically and mentally, will be necessary as the game continues to evolve.
When pressured, however, he demonstrates lots of potential. Moore faced pressure on 80 attempts and completed 46 of those (57.5%) for 639 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Surprisingly, under blitz conditions, he completed 69.9% of his throws for 1,411 yards, marking an impressive 14 touchdowns against five interceptions. This kind of performance shows that he can make quicker decisions when forced, an essential trait for success in the league.
making progress
Overall, Moore showcases notable athleticism with a respectable rushing record, carrying the ball 62 times for 298 yards and two touchdowns—though nine fumbles is a significant number for a developing player. He needs to nail down basic execution, like handling center snaps and working smoothly with running backs, as these all-important details can become more complex if not handled well.
Looking ahead, there’s a strong possibility that Moore could emerge as a dynamic quarterback akin to Baker Mayfield or Jalen Hurts, capable of adapting offenses to his strengths. While adaptability may not be his strong suit, with further growth, he could definitely be geared up for the NFL by the time the 2027 draft rolls around. But he needs to sharpen the connection between his mind and his throws; otherwise, he might struggle once he steps onto that professional field.
If he continues to develop effectively, Moore could face a challenging yet promising road ahead in the pros. That’s precisely why returning to college was a smart move—not just for him, but for the entire 2027 quarterback class.
