Last year was a high-water mark for impact true freshmen. It felt like each week, there was a game that a first-year player took over. Whether it was DJ Lagway lighting it up at quarterback for Florida, or Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons terrorizing opposing quarterbacks, there were playmakers all over the field. Perhaps the two biggest names were receivers Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State and former 17-year-old Ryan Williams at Alabama. Could we see more of the same in 2025? If so, there is one name primed for a breakout: Dakorien Moore.
True Freshman Receiver Dakorien Moore Is Next Up
Oregon’s recruiting efforts have been on another level in the Dan Lanning era. The Ducks’ 2025 haul was the third-best in the country and topped the Big Ten. The crown jewel of that loaded class was the top-rated receiver. The Ducks fended off incredible pushes from Texas and Ohio State for the talented Texan recruit, but Moore made it official on early National Signing Day.
Moore does not have the size that Smith has; rather, he’s more like Williams. The five-foot-eleven, 186-pound receiver has elite speed. According to Kevin Coleman of The Devy Royale, “Moore isn’t just fast in a straight line, either. His agility, suddenness out of breaks, and ability to stack defensive backs make him one of the most dangerous separators in this freshman class.”
He went on to explain, “Oregon already planned to get him involved early, but Evan Stewart’s offseason knee injury just changed everything. With Stewart sidelined, the Ducks lose all three of their top receivers from last season, creating a massive opportunity for Moore to step right into a feature role in Will Stein’s high-powered passing attack.”
An Opportunity Arises
Oregon is going to be looking for anyone to step up in 2025. Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden graduated and are in the NFL. Then, the expected leader in the room, Evan Stewart, suffered a torn patellar injury that will likely sideline him for the entire 2025 season. The leading returning receiver is tight end Kenyon Sadiq. If there was an opportunity for a true freshman receiver to break out, it’s at Oregon with Moore.
Dante Moore 🎯 Dakorien Moore
Get ready to see more of this duo this fall 🦆
pic.twitter.com/QYuDHUl0Q1— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) April 12, 2025
Already, Dante Moore has been linking up with his future star receiver. The two Moores (no relation) will be expected to lead this year’s Oregon offense that replaces the most productive quarterback in college football history and must defend the program’s first Big Ten title. Moore has incredible body control and is as lethal as any after the catch.
Even as a true freshman receiver, Moore will demand snaps and targets. Oregon is set to take on FCS power Montana State on August 30. Moore has a perfect stage to show the college football world that he’s the next 18-year-old superstar.
Main Image: Syndication: The Register Guard
