UCLA quarterback Dante Moore, a five-star prospect in the class of 2023, is entering the transfer portal, a program source confirmed to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. Here’s what you need to know:
- Moore, who played at Martin Luther King Senior High School in Detroit, was ranked No. 5 overall and No. 3 QB in the 247Sports Composite.
- He originally committed to Oregon but transferred to UCLA just before the early signing period last December.
- Moore appeared in nine games and started five as a true freshman. He completed just 53.5 percent of his passes for 1,610 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
How has Moore performed this season?
Moore didn’t earn the starting spot after coming out of camp, but showed enough flashes in the season opener against Coastal Carolina that he was promoted to starter the following week against San Diego State. Moore is truly talented and was easily Chip Kelly’s biggest recruiting win since arriving at UCLA in late 2017. But once the Bruins started playing against better opponents, Moore looked like a true freshman. He threw a pick six in three straight games – two of which were losses (Utah and Oregon State) – and was benched midway through the season.
Moore never started again as Ethan Garbers reclaimed the starting role. Garbers suffered an injury in the season finale against Cal and Moore was forced into action but was immediately substituted in UCLA’s 33-7 loss. The Bruins’ passing game has been subpar this season and the offensive line has also slipped. – Antonio Morales, USC beat writer
Moore was heavily recruited by both in-state schools before committing to Oregon and ultimately signing with UCLA. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Moore see both programs in the mix for the second time.
Michigan State has a clearer path to the starting job with all three top quarterbacks entering the transfer portal. DJ Uiagalelei, who played for new Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith at Oregon State, is also featured in the portal. The Spartans will have options, but Moore should be at the top of their wish list.
As for Michigan, a lot depends on whether JJ McCarthy enters the NFL Draft. McCarthy was projected as a first-round pick in Dane Brugler’s most recent mock draft, but there is no clear consensus on where he will land. Michigan also signed a blue-chip 2024 quarterback prospect in Jadyn Davis. The picture is so crowded that Michigan State might be the more logical solution. — Beat writer from Austin Meek, Michigan
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