After a devastating loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the CFB semifinals last season, University of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has changed how he physically prepares for the new season, and how he’s doing it is pretty impressive.
“I’m just pushing more weight, getting stronger,” Moore said recently. M&F in Chicago, where he was celebrating the launch of EA Sports for the 2027 Madden NFL and College games. “I just take care of my body in general. Yoga, stretching and making sure I’m okay with that. I do yoga twice a week. I’ve put on some weight from lifting and eating right, so I’ve been stretching more.”
By adding a little something to his day to day, Moore, who are Ducks second in the pre-election season rating, says he’s confident heading into the 2026 season in what is expected to be a national championship run.
“I’m enjoying it more,” adds the red-haired youngster of this training block. “I smile more and make sure I trust the process, trust my trainer to get faster and stronger.”
Do double lifts and yoga
The 21-year-old, who lit up while discussing her newfound love of yoga, is committed to bringing more one-on-one attention to private lessons, and she has no plans to start her season in August.
“No, everything I do in the offseason is what I do in the offseason to make sure I stay consistent in everything,” says Moore, who says the new workout has helped his tight legs. “Yes, I like yoga. I have to make sure that I can stay focused. I can especially be more flexible and have the ability to move (and) maneuver better.”
Moore needs that extra flexibility after spending more time in the weight room than he did a year ago. His deadlift, about 415, was consistent without putting too much stress on his body, he said.
“It’s a huge increase,” adds the Detroit native. More weight in lethal, just more explosive. Using dumbbells for your upper body more, like I did, especially with my trainer (Wilson) Love. She is dedicated to the process and I truly appreciate having her. “
Study the best to be the best
Another addition to his offseason homework is studying film on one of the NFL’s favorite linebackers to get better.
“Matthew Stafford,” says Moore. “His commitment to the game, his anticipation, the way you anticipate certain windows and he’s been in the league for a long time. But overall, he’s just talented and I love watching how consistent he is.”
And while last year’s loss to the eventual state champions still haunts Moore, he took a big run this time to get his head straight in hopes of leading his team.
“I’m just mentally getting better at the game,” Moore says. “It’s just about being smarter and smarter. But overall, I’ve gotten better mentally just by watching film, watching my tendencies to see what I’m good at and (and) what I’m bad at.”
And like any player, Moore admits that he has weaknesses that he is also trying to control.
“Food!” Moore says with a laugh. “I love food. I know I eat everything. It’s my weakness. If I see food, I eat it. Sometimes it can’t be good for me – and I know it’s not, but I still want to do it.”
Moore, along with University of Miami’s Malik Toney and Ole Miss running back Kevan Lacy, spent the evening alongside Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams to celebrate the stars capping the season’s game. While Moore says he doesn’t mind the occasional Madden “curse” that comes with taking the Madden spotlight, he doesn’t believe it will happen to him and tries to live in the moment without thinking too much about this year’s outcome.
“It was always a dream as a kid,” Moore says. “I mean, now to make that dream come true, I’m just happy to be here. But overall, I’m happy to put myself on the map and put the University of Oregon on the map.”
