Oregon QB Dante Moore and Ducks Lead Preseason Polls for Heisman and National Championship

In a survey of 18 college coaches and front-office executives conducted by The Athletic, Oregon received six votes as the national title favorite, while quarterback Dante Moore earned nine Heisman predictions. Moore returns for his second season as starter after completing 71.8% of passes for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns last year. Other programs with multiple title votes included Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Texas, while Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame's C.J. Carr also drew Heisman support.

Oregon's preseason standing reflects a strong 2025 campaign in which the Ducks reached the College Football Playoff semifinal. Moore's efficiency numbers—a 71.8 percent completion rate with 30 touchdowns against 10 interceptions—helped anchor that run, and his return gives the program continuity at the game's most important position. The schedule ahead is demanding, with four matchups against AP Top 25 opponents, including road tests at USC and Ohio State.

The polling also reveals a competitive national picture beyond Oregon. Notre Dame and Ohio State each drew three title votes, while Texas received two, and Georgia, Miami, and defending champion Indiana each earned one. Heisman support was similarly dispersed, with Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr joining Moore among multiple-vote recipients.