Dante Moore is officially the top passer in the preseason CBS Sports Quarterback Power Rankings, a move that only makes sense when you gaze at the firepower around him. Moore passed up a golden opportunity to be one of the first names called in the NFL Draft, choosing another season in college. He’s set to make a ton of money slinging the rock for the Ducks, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to throw to one of the most talented pass-catching groups in the entire sport?
Oregon’s Unfair Offensive Weaponry
A year ago, injuries hit Oregon’s receiver and tight end rooms hard, but Moore still carved up defenses for nearly 3,600 yards and led the Ducks to the CFP semifinals. This time around, Oregon is absolutely stacked. We’re talking about a headline trio of Evan Stewart, Jeremiah McClellan, and Dakorien Moore that will give opposing defensive coordinators actual nightmares. And if that wasn’t enough, they are backed up by former five-star prospects Jalen Lott and Gatlin Blair. Toss in Iverson Hooks, who snagged 72 passes at UAB last season, and you’ve got a deep, proven group ready for anything the season throws at them. Plus, tight end Jamari Johnson is back after a 500-yard campaign. This improved supporting cast means Moore is starting the 2026 season atop the rankings, and he’s definitely going to surpass last season’s totals of 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns, guiding the Ducks deep into the postseason. Minor complications from a new offensive coordinator? Pfft.
Heisman Hopes and Redemption Arcs Elsewhere
Right behind Moore at number two is Texas’s Arch Manning. This dude battled a nagging foot injury throughout the 2025 season and somehow overcame an abysmal start to finish with over 3,500 total yards and 36 combined touchdowns as both a passer and a runner. Texas went all in to bolster his supporting cast this year, and Manning got his foot issue addressed with surgery. He’s got a real shot at becoming the first member of his family to win the Heisman Trophy, a journey that kicks off in earnest with a Week 2 home showdown against Ohio State. That’s a huge chance for redemption after his lackluster Week 1 performance against the Buckeyes last season. Then, at number three, you have Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss, who was college football’s top breakout star of 2025 and is clearly back for more.
Week 1 is here, with Week 0 results already factored into these rankings. Get ready for some fireworks, because the top signal-callers are locked in, and the fight for supremacy starts NOW.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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