Oregon QB Dante Moore's 'Smile' Mindset Sparks Title Talk; Dakorien Moore Jokes About Unique Request

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, who turned down a projected top-five NFL Draft pick to return for another season, has set a surprisingly simple tone for the Ducks' 2026 national title push. At Big Ten Media Days, Moore didn't focus on X's and O's. Instead, he offered a one-word answer when asked what Oregon needs most this season.

What did Dante Moore say is the key to Oregon's success?

“Smile,” Moore said. “That’s the one thing I love. Just being able to smile through the good, bad and ugly. Just understanding that every day we get to go to war with our brothers. Just enjoy the process. Just smile and keep a smile on your face and just enjoy the moment.”

Moore, a Heisman Trophy contender with odds around +1100, earned an 85.9 PFN QB Impact grade last season. He leads an Oregon team that has made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances but still seeks its first national title since 2014.

How did Dakorien Moore respond to Dante Moore's unique request?

Dante Moore's request for the team to smile got a hilarious response from sophomore wide receiver Dakorien Moore. When asked about it, Dakorien laughed and said, “I’ll work something out.” The playful exchange highlights the strong bond between the two players, who share the same last name but are not related.

Dakorien appeared in 11 games last season, starting seven, and finished with 34 receptions for 497 yards and three touchdowns. He missed four games due to a knee injury suffered in practice before the Iowa game. His 497 receiving yards rank fifth in Oregon freshman history.

Why is the Moore-to-Moore connection important for Oregon's passing attack?

The chemistry between Dante and Dakorien has been building since the younger Moore arrived on campus. Dakorien praised Dante's leadership, saying, “When I first came in, he was the guy to put me with the older guys. He trusted me to come in and do my job. I try to make sure he feels the same love that he reciprocated from the jump.”

Oregon's receiving corps is deeper than just the Moore-to-Moore connection. Evan Stewart returns after missing 2025 with a knee injury, and Jeremiah McClellan is also back. Tight end Jamari Johnson told reporters at Big Ten Media Days that fans are “gonna be seeing pretty much everybody” this fall.

What does this mean for Iowa football fans?

For Iowa fans, the Moore-to-Moore connection is a reminder of the talent Oregon brings to the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes face Oregon in 2026, and the Ducks' high-powered offense will test Iowa's traditionally strong defense. If Dante Moore's smile-first mindset translates to on-field success, the Hawkeyes will have their hands full.

Can Oregon win a national title with this mindset?

Dante Moore believes the Ducks can. “We’re gonna have a lot of smiles on that field and have some fun,” he said. With a Heisman-caliber quarterback, a deep receiving corps, and a defense that returns several starters, Oregon is a legitimate contender. If they pair that talent with the mindset Dante continues to preach, the Ducks will hope they're smiling at the end of the season with a national championship.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.