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ESPN hires longtime referee as rules analyst for women’s college basketball

ESPN hires longtime referee as rules analyst for women’s college basketball

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Dee Kantner is trading in her whistle for a microphone.

The 65-year-old who has been a referee in women’s college basketball since 1984 has seemingly officiated her last game. Kantner retired from her longtime profession earlier this year, but isn’t totally stepping away from the game. Beginning next week, she’ll begin a stint as a rules analyst for ESPN, bringing her decades of experience and insight into the homes of millions of women’s college basketball fans.

Meg Aronowitz, ESPN’s senior vice president for production, has long been thinking about adding a rules analyst to women’s college basketball broadcasts in the same way they exist for football and men’s basketball. The need for one came into clearer focus during the Women’s College World Series when a softball rules analyst had to explain what exactly happened during a controversy in the UCLA versus Tennessee game.

“Dee and I have had conversations over the years about, if she ever decided to hang up the sneakers, if she would ever want to be a part of our broadcasts,” Aronowitz told SB Nation. “All of our football games, we’ve got the Matt Austins and Gene Steratores – that’s kind of the idea that I’ve been kicking around for a while with our lead crew… If you watched the Women’s College World Series this past year with Appendix G and the player not touching the plate, our analyst was able to really add value in that moment when it mattered.”

Aronowitz continued: “I really feel like, probably the one thing that we’re missing on our biggest stage during the women’s NCAA Tournament is having this opportunity to have somebody that can really add value. We’ve added rules analysts in the past in the postseason… but not anybody that has the personality that can punch through, that would be able to clearly and succinctly break down in the moment exactly what we’re looking for. And Dee has always been in the back of my mind as somebody that would be really successful in this role.”

Kantner will be working with ESPN’s top women’s college basketball broadcast crew, which will again feature Ryan Ruocco as the lead play-by-play voice, Rebecca Lobo providing color commentary, and Holly Rowe reporting from the sidelines. Kantner’s first game with them will be on Tuesday when Louisville takes on UConn at the relocated Armed Forces Classic in Annapolis, Maryland.

One difference between some other rules analysts and Kantner is that she’ll be on-site for the majority of these games with ESPN’s top crew instead of calling in from a studio. Aronowitz said it’s something that Kantner insisted on to make the broadcast better.

“She felt like she would be able to help Ryan or Rebecca more off-camera, if she was actually there and could make eye contact with them and pass them notes,” Aronowitz said. “That was really important to her, to be able to watch the game in real time and watch the flow of the officials and see how they’re calling the game, and to be out there on the floor. So, we’re going to try it a couple different ways. Obviously, she’ll be new to television, so we’re going to use November and December to kind of teach her the ropes.”

Aronowitz added that Kantner will occasionally work some games with the broadcast crew of Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli too. And during the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament where there are multiple big-time games happening at once, Kantner might work from an ESPN studio.

Longtime fans of the sport will recognize Kantner because she has often officiated some of the most important games in women’s college basketball. In addition to working as a referee in 26 Final Fours and 16 national championships, she’s also recently worked in some of the deepest and most-talented conferences in the country, the SEC, ACC and Big Ten.

“I did not plan on being a referee, but I was running out of money during my senior year in college. Athletics were always part of my life. I knew the game and thought, why not? After college, I was working a sales and marketing role in North Carolina where I continued to officiate avocationally,” Kantner told NBA.com earlier this year. “But I had this natural inclination and aptitude for it and then started making the rise up through the ranks of women’s officiating.”

A native of Pennsylvania and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Kantner’s career has been a historic one. In addition to officiating countless high-stakes games in college hoops, she and Violet Palmer became the first two women referees in any major U.S. professional men’s sport when the NBA hired them in 1997. Kantner would work 247 NBA games across five seasons.

She also refereed basketball at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and the FIBA World Championships in 1994 and 1998. Kantner is also on the Board of Directors for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, an inductee into both the Pennsylvania and North Carolina sports hall of fames, and a certified beekeeper.

Kantner spent 11 years as the supervisor of officials in the WNBA too. Aronowitz said there’s an interest in having her contribute to ESPN’s broadcasts of WNBA games as well, but the network will make that decision closer to its season beginning.

ESPN will broadcast more than 240 women’s college basketball games on its linear networks this season, and 3,000 more on ESPN+. Six women’s basketball games will be on ABC this season too, beginning with Baylor vs. Texas on Dec. 14. LSU’s clash with South Carolina on Feb. 14 will be the first women’s college basketball game to air in primetime on ABC. College GameDay for women’s basketball will return in February, Aronowitz said.

For many of those must-watch games, fans can expect to see Kantner chiming in and offering analysis when a referee’s call comes into question.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for us,” Aronowitz said. “And, you know, there may be games where we don’t really have anything that we need a rules analyst to weigh in on, and we may never see Dee on television. But then there might be games where we get an Appendix G situation, and that’ll be her time to shine. We’re just thrilled to have her.”

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Deadspin | Giants’ Trevor McDonald works to put summertime blues behind him vs. Rockies Jun 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) throws to an Atlanta Braves batter during the top of the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images Trevor McDonald has had a rough rookie season with the San Francisco Giants, and the summer has been especially cruel. McDonald, who had four career appearances entering the 2026 season, will try to bounce back from a disastrous start in his most recent outing when the Giants host the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break. The month started with promise for McDonald (3-7, 5.46 ERA). The right-hander had lost six of seven starts — including four of five in June — but got the win on July 1 when he allowed one hit and no walks over scoreless six innings of a 6-4 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks. But just six days later, it all fell apart for McDonald. In a home game Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, he surrendered eight runs and 11 hits in only 2 1/3 innings, taking the loss in the 9-3 game. It was the first time since 1998 that a Giants pitcher had given up at least 11 hits in 2 1/3 since Mark Gardner against the Montreal Expos in 1998. “I felt I was getting some soft contact and some early contact and them being a team that likes to swing and be on the attack, they found the holes,” McDonald said. Giants manager Tony Vitello did not fully agree. “There wasn’t a lot of hard contact, but there also was really comfortable swings,” Vitello said postgame. “They were kind of sitting on that deal there. Sinker was middle a lot, if you were going to criticize anything there. Kind of piled up on him a little too quick.” McDonald has faced the Rockies just once, and it invokes a good memory. It was Sept. 26, 2025, when he struck out 10 and allowed three unearned runs on four hits in seven innings against visiting Colorado. He did not walk a batter in a 6-3 win. McDonald will try to follow an outstanding effort by Tyler Mahle on Saturday in the Giants’ 4-2 victory. Mahle gave up a run on five hits in seven innings with three walks and four strikeouts. Despite the win, Vitello was ejected by plate umpire Lance Barksdale in the third inning after the Rockies’ Mickey Moniak was placed back at the plate after it appeared he had struck out. Colorado has lost three of its past four games and enters Sunday with a struggling pitcher of its own, but he is showing small signs of improvement. That’s veteran Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.46 ERA), who got his first win in eight decisions in an 8-5 triumph against the Minnesota Twins on June 27. Since then, he hasn’t gotten a decision in two starts, both of which the Rockies won. In two July games, Lorenzen has given up four earned runs on nine hits in 10 2/3 innings. He has struck out six and walked nine, and his season strikeout-to-walk ratio is 2.06. Lorenzen has plenty of experience against the Giants, facing them 12 times (six starts) in 12 seasons. He is 0-2 with a 6.68 ERA in those games. His most recent start against San Francisco came May 29, and he took a no-decision in a 8-6 win. He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. The Rockies lost the series opener 8-2 on Thursday, then won on Friday, coming from behind for a 4-3 victory thanks to a ninth-inning rally. “That’s just how we play. We stay in ballgames,” rookie infielder Kyle Karros said. “We try to pick each other up.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Giants #Trevor #McDonald #works #put #summertime #blues #RockiesJun 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) throws to an Atlanta Braves batter during the top of the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Trevor McDonald has had a rough rookie season with the San Francisco Giants, and the summer has been especially cruel.

McDonald, who had four career appearances entering the 2026 season, will try to bounce back from a disastrous start in his most recent outing when the Giants host the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break.

The month started with promise for McDonald (3-7, 5.46 ERA). The right-hander had lost six of seven starts — including four of five in June — but got the win on July 1 when he allowed one hit and no walks over scoreless six innings of a 6-4 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But just six days later, it all fell apart for McDonald. In a home game Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, he surrendered eight runs and 11 hits in only 2 1/3 innings, taking the loss in the 9-3 game.

It was the first time since 1998 that a Giants pitcher had given up at least 11 hits in 2 1/3 since Mark Gardner against the Montreal Expos in 1998.

“I felt I was getting some soft contact and some early contact and them being a team that likes to swing and be on the attack, they found the holes,” McDonald said.

Giants manager Tony Vitello did not fully agree.

“There wasn’t a lot of hard contact, but there also was really comfortable swings,” Vitello said postgame. “They were kind of sitting on that deal there. Sinker was middle a lot, if you were going to criticize anything there. Kind of piled up on him a little too quick.”

McDonald has faced the Rockies just once, and it invokes a good memory. It was Sept. 26, 2025, when he struck out 10 and allowed three unearned runs on four hits in seven innings against visiting Colorado. He did not walk a batter in a 6-3 win.


McDonald will try to follow an outstanding effort by Tyler Mahle on Saturday in the Giants’ 4-2 victory. Mahle gave up a run on five hits in seven innings with three walks and four strikeouts.

Despite the win, Vitello was ejected by plate umpire Lance Barksdale in the third inning after the Rockies’ Mickey Moniak was placed back at the plate after it appeared he had struck out.

Colorado has lost three of its past four games and enters Sunday with a struggling pitcher of its own, but he is showing small signs of improvement.

That’s veteran Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.46 ERA), who got his first win in eight decisions in an 8-5 triumph against the Minnesota Twins on June 27. Since then, he hasn’t gotten a decision in two starts, both of which the Rockies won.

In two July games, Lorenzen has given up four earned runs on nine hits in 10 2/3 innings. He has struck out six and walked nine, and his season strikeout-to-walk ratio is 2.06.

Lorenzen has plenty of experience against the Giants, facing them 12 times (six starts) in 12 seasons. He is 0-2 with a 6.68 ERA in those games.

His most recent start against San Francisco came May 29, and he took a no-decision in a 8-6 win. He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.

The Rockies lost the series opener 8-2 on Thursday, then won on Friday, coming from behind for a 4-3 victory thanks to a ninth-inning rally.

“That’s just how we play. We stay in ballgames,” rookie infielder Kyle Karros said. “We try to pick each other up.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #Trevor #McDonald #works #put #summertime #blues #Rockies">Deadspin | Giants’ Trevor McDonald works to put summertime blues behind him vs. Rockies Jun 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) throws to an Atlanta Braves batter during the top of the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images Trevor McDonald has had a rough rookie season with the San Francisco Giants, and the summer has been especially cruel. McDonald, who had four career appearances entering the 2026 season, will try to bounce back from a disastrous start in his most recent outing when the Giants host the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break. The month started with promise for McDonald (3-7, 5.46 ERA). The right-hander had lost six of seven starts — including four of five in June — but got the win on July 1 when he allowed one hit and no walks over scoreless six innings of a 6-4 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks. But just six days later, it all fell apart for McDonald. In a home game Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, he surrendered eight runs and 11 hits in only 2 1/3 innings, taking the loss in the 9-3 game. It was the first time since 1998 that a Giants pitcher had given up at least 11 hits in 2 1/3 since Mark Gardner against the Montreal Expos in 1998. “I felt I was getting some soft contact and some early contact and them being a team that likes to swing and be on the attack, they found the holes,” McDonald said. Giants manager Tony Vitello did not fully agree. “There wasn’t a lot of hard contact, but there also was really comfortable swings,” Vitello said postgame. “They were kind of sitting on that deal there. Sinker was middle a lot, if you were going to criticize anything there. Kind of piled up on him a little too quick.” McDonald has faced the Rockies just once, and it invokes a good memory. It was Sept. 26, 2025, when he struck out 10 and allowed three unearned runs on four hits in seven innings against visiting Colorado. He did not walk a batter in a 6-3 win. McDonald will try to follow an outstanding effort by Tyler Mahle on Saturday in the Giants’ 4-2 victory. Mahle gave up a run on five hits in seven innings with three walks and four strikeouts. Despite the win, Vitello was ejected by plate umpire Lance Barksdale in the third inning after the Rockies’ Mickey Moniak was placed back at the plate after it appeared he had struck out. Colorado has lost three of its past four games and enters Sunday with a struggling pitcher of its own, but he is showing small signs of improvement. That’s veteran Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.46 ERA), who got his first win in eight decisions in an 8-5 triumph against the Minnesota Twins on June 27. Since then, he hasn’t gotten a decision in two starts, both of which the Rockies won. In two July games, Lorenzen has given up four earned runs on nine hits in 10 2/3 innings. He has struck out six and walked nine, and his season strikeout-to-walk ratio is 2.06. Lorenzen has plenty of experience against the Giants, facing them 12 times (six starts) in 12 seasons. He is 0-2 with a 6.68 ERA in those games. His most recent start against San Francisco came May 29, and he took a no-decision in a 8-6 win. He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. The Rockies lost the series opener 8-2 on Thursday, then won on Friday, coming from behind for a 4-3 victory thanks to a ninth-inning rally. “That’s just how we play. We stay in ballgames,” rookie infielder Kyle Karros said. “We try to pick each other up.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Giants #Trevor #McDonald #works #put #summertime #blues #Rockies

When it comes to the 2027 quarterback class, hope springs eternal. Especially after a 2026 class that produced two first-rounders in Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, and a 2025 class that produced two in Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart, the NFL prayer is that the 2027 group of signal-callers is more like the 2024 version, when there were three taken with the first three picks, six in the top 12, and four legit NFL starters in Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix. Even the relative stragglers (Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy) haven’t run entirely out of road when it comes to their NFL potential.

Ostensibly, the 2027 class looks absolutely ridiculous from a tools and potential perspective. We could have Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr, and Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby (depending on how Sorsby is affected by recent gambling allegations) all fighting to rest atop next year’s QB draft listings, and there are ways in which each one could do it. Not to mention the fact that there will be a surprise interloper who comes out of nowhere to show NFL potential.

That’s at least eight quarterbacks for NFL teams to consider next year. Of course, we also know that not every sure-thing prospect will ultimately become that even before he’s drafted; we’ve all seen the super-hyped guys fall down when they get hit without a plan.

The idea with this series is to evaluate each of the prominent future prospects with one eye on what they’ve already done, and the other on what they need to do in order to reach their ultimate ceiling.

We’ve already discussed Arch Manning in this space, so let’s move on to Oregon’s Dante Moore. The upcoming junior star began his college career with UCLA in 2023, transferred to the Ducks for a 2024 season in which he mostly sat behind Dillon Gabriel, and got his shot again in 2025. Overall, Moore completed 295 of 412 passes (71.6) for 3,550 yards (8.6 YPA), 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 111.8. Then, despite a relatively weak 2026 quarterback class that may have him going Top 5 (or Top 2) in the draft, Moore chose to return school for a fourth NCAA season.

“With this decision, mainly all my life has just been about being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into,” Moore said on January 14, a few days after Oregon’s 56-22 CFP Semifinal loss to Indiana. “And when it comes to me making my decision, I just want to do what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback.

“With my decision, it’s been very tough. I’ve prayed a lot about it, talked to many people — my mentors and people I look up to. With that being said, of course I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”

What would Moore have been as a 2026 prospect, and how will another year in the incubator help him? Let’s get into it.

Dante Moore in the pocket

Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last season when throwing from the pocket, Moore completed 261 of 359 passes (72.7%) for 2,989 yards (8.1 YPA (8.3 YPA), 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 109.9. Not bad numbers at all, and there’s a lot upon which to build, but the primary issue with Moore as a pocket passer at this point is that he needs to speed up his reads and throws. He struggles to consistently throw with anticipation, and it will behoove him in 2026 to reduce the moving parts — both physically and mentally — to deal with the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Because things only get faster and more complex where he’s going in 2027.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 09: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 09: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Moore is a chaos grenade of a quarterback. He thrives on late-in-the-down reaction, and he’s at his best when he can move to one side of the field, cut the reads in half, and use his impressive combination of mobility and arm talent to make some seriously impressive things happen. It’s why he completed 35 of 57 passes (66.0%) outside the pocket for 576 yards (10.9 YPA), four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 127.6. 12 of Moore’s 64 explosive passes last season came from outside the pocket last season, which is a very good rate given the relative infrequency of those throws; it’s also where Moore is most comfortable as a thrower of the football right now.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 01: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 01: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Moore was pressured on 80 of his attempts last season, completing 46 passes (57.5%) for 639 yards (8.0 YPA), three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.2. When blitzed, Moore completed 102 of 146 passes (69.9%) for 1,411 yards (9.7 YPA), 14 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 118.3. Blitzes with and without pressure force Moore to speed up his clock, as they do for most quarterbacks, and this becomes an advantage in this case. It’s where it becomes clear that Moore has the potential to make quicker and better decisions within the timing of the down.

Going through progressions

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Moore is a good field reader in the pure progression sense, where he’s reading openings as opposed to waiting coverages out. It’s a beneficial concept in an NFL where coverage switches are more and more prevalent, especially for a quarterback — like Moore — who needs work on the timing of his reads and throws. Most of the time, he works from left to right, and while he will telegraph his intentions more than you’d like, he’s pretty comfortable for the most part with working 1-2. He could be more conversant with looking defenders off and dictating the action, but you could say that about some credible NFL quarterbacks.

Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs with the ball during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Jaxon Howard (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs with the ball during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Jaxon Howard (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Moore has the base athleticism to be an effective runner — he ran the ball 62 times for 298 yards and two touchdowns last season — but the most important number to consider here is the nine fumbles in 2025. Moore needs to get more consistent with simple things like center snap exchanges, and working with his running backs to ensure proper handoffs. Simple stuff, really, but it looks all too complex when it’s not done well.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 1: Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Moore could have a bright future as a Baker Mayfield/Jalen Hurts-type quarterback with the ability to define an offense that is designed for him. He isn’t scheme-transcendent — probably won’t ever be — but with another year of development, he could well be NFL-ready with a team that understands and can harness the out of structure stuff. Moore will absolutely need to accelerate the neurons from brain to arm before he hits the NFL, or the NFL will hit back… and often.

If Dante Moore stays put in a developmental sense, he could be in for a rough early go at the professional level. It’s why he was wise to go back to school, and why this upcoming season is of crucial importance — not only for him, but for the 2027 QB class overall.

#Dante #Moore #Oregon #NFLready">Dante Moore went back to Oregon to become NFL-ready. How far away is he? When it comes to the 2027 quarterback class, hope springs eternal. Especially after a 2026 class that produced two first-rounders in Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, and a 2025 class that produced two in Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart, the NFL prayer is that the 2027 group of signal-callers is more like the 2024 version, when there were three taken with the first three picks, six in the top 12, and four legit NFL starters in Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix. Even the relative stragglers (Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy) haven’t run entirely out of road when it comes to their NFL potential.Ostensibly, the 2027 class looks absolutely ridiculous from a tools and potential perspective. We could have Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr, and Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby (depending on how Sorsby is affected by recent gambling allegations) all fighting to rest atop next year’s QB draft listings, and there are ways in which each one could do it. Not to mention the fact that there will be a surprise interloper who comes out of nowhere to show NFL potential.That’s at least eight quarterbacks for NFL teams to consider next year. Of course, we also know that not every sure-thing prospect will ultimately become that even before he’s drafted; we’ve all seen the super-hyped guys fall down when they get hit without a plan.The idea with this series is to evaluate each of the prominent future prospects with one eye on what they’ve already done, and the other on what they need to do in order to reach their ultimate ceiling.We’ve already discussed Arch Manning in this space, so let’s move on to Oregon’s Dante Moore. The upcoming junior star began his college career with UCLA in 2023, transferred to the Ducks for a 2024 season in which he mostly sat behind Dillon Gabriel, and got his shot again in 2025. Overall, Moore completed 295 of 412 passes (71.6) for 3,550 yards (8.6 YPA), 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 111.8. Then, despite a relatively weak 2026 quarterback class that may have him going Top 5 (or Top 2) in the draft, Moore chose to return school for a fourth NCAA season.“With this decision, mainly all my life has just been about being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into,” Moore said on January 14, a few days after Oregon’s 56-22 CFP Semifinal loss to Indiana. “And when it comes to me making my decision, I just want to do what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback.“With my decision, it’s been very tough. I’ve prayed a lot about it, talked to many people — my mentors and people I look up to. With that being said, of course I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”What would Moore have been as a 2026 prospect, and how will another year in the incubator help him? Let’s get into it.Dante Moore in the pocketCombat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesLast season when throwing from the pocket, Moore completed 261 of 359 passes (72.7%) for 2,989 yards (8.1 YPA (8.3 YPA), 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 109.9. Not bad numbers at all, and there’s a lot upon which to build, but the primary issue with Moore as a pocket passer at this point is that he needs to speed up his reads and throws. He struggles to consistently throw with anticipation, and it will behoove him in 2026 to reduce the moving parts — both physically and mentally — to deal with the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Because things only get faster and more complex where he’s going in 2027.ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 09: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty ImagesMoore is a chaos grenade of a quarterback. He thrives on late-in-the-down reaction, and he’s at his best when he can move to one side of the field, cut the reads in half, and use his impressive combination of mobility and arm talent to make some seriously impressive things happen. It’s why he completed 35 of 57 passes (66.0%) outside the pocket for 576 yards (10.9 YPA), four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 127.6. 12 of Moore’s 64 explosive passes last season came from outside the pocket last season, which is a very good rate given the relative infrequency of those throws; it’s also where Moore is most comfortable as a thrower of the football right now.MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 01: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesMoore was pressured on 80 of his attempts last season, completing 46 passes (57.5%) for 639 yards (8.0 YPA), three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.2. When blitzed, Moore completed 102 of 146 passes (69.9%) for 1,411 yards (9.7 YPA), 14 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 118.3. Blitzes with and without pressure force Moore to speed up his clock, as they do for most quarterbacks, and this becomes an advantage in this case. It’s where it becomes clear that Moore has the potential to make quicker and better decisions within the timing of the down.Going through progressionsJan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesMoore is a good field reader in the pure progression sense, where he’s reading openings as opposed to waiting coverages out. It’s a beneficial concept in an NFL where coverage switches are more and more prevalent, especially for a quarterback — like Moore — who needs work on the timing of his reads and throws. Most of the time, he works from left to right, and while he will telegraph his intentions more than you’d like, he’s pretty comfortable for the most part with working 1-2. He could be more conversant with looking defenders off and dictating the action, but you could say that about some credible NFL quarterbacks.Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs with the ball during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Jaxon Howard (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesMoore has the base athleticism to be an effective runner — he ran the ball 62 times for 298 yards and two touchdowns last season — but the most important number to consider here is the nine fumbles in 2025. Moore needs to get more consistent with simple things like center snap exchanges, and working with his running backs to ensure proper handoffs. Simple stuff, really, but it looks all too complex when it’s not done well.MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 1: Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) Getty ImagesMoore could have a bright future as a Baker Mayfield/Jalen Hurts-type quarterback with the ability to define an offense that is designed for him. He isn’t scheme-transcendent — probably won’t ever be — but with another year of development, he could well be NFL-ready with a team that understands and can harness the out of structure stuff. Moore will absolutely need to accelerate the neurons from brain to arm before he hits the NFL, or the NFL will hit back… and often.If Dante Moore stays put in a developmental sense, he could be in for a rough early go at the professional level. It’s why he was wise to go back to school, and why this upcoming season is of crucial importance — not only for him, but for the 2027 QB class overall. #Dante #Moore #Oregon #NFLready

We’ve already discussed Arch Manning in this space, so let’s move on to Oregon’s Dante Moore. The upcoming junior star began his college career with UCLA in 2023, transferred to the Ducks for a 2024 season in which he mostly sat behind Dillon Gabriel, and got his shot again in 2025. Overall, Moore completed 295 of 412 passes (71.6) for 3,550 yards (8.6 YPA), 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 111.8. Then, despite a relatively weak 2026 quarterback class that may have him going Top 5 (or Top 2) in the draft, Moore chose to return school for a fourth NCAA season.

“With this decision, mainly all my life has just been about being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into,” Moore said on January 14, a few days after Oregon’s 56-22 CFP Semifinal loss to Indiana. “And when it comes to me making my decision, I just want to do what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback.

“With my decision, it’s been very tough. I’ve prayed a lot about it, talked to many people — my mentors and people I look up to. With that being said, of course I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”

What would Moore have been as a 2026 prospect, and how will another year in the incubator help him? Let’s get into it.

Dante Moore in the pocket

Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last season when throwing from the pocket, Moore completed 261 of 359 passes (72.7%) for 2,989 yards (8.1 YPA (8.3 YPA), 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 109.9. Not bad numbers at all, and there’s a lot upon which to build, but the primary issue with Moore as a pocket passer at this point is that he needs to speed up his reads and throws. He struggles to consistently throw with anticipation, and it will behoove him in 2026 to reduce the moving parts — both physically and mentally — to deal with the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Because things only get faster and more complex where he’s going in 2027.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 09: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 09: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Moore is a chaos grenade of a quarterback. He thrives on late-in-the-down reaction, and he’s at his best when he can move to one side of the field, cut the reads in half, and use his impressive combination of mobility and arm talent to make some seriously impressive things happen. It’s why he completed 35 of 57 passes (66.0%) outside the pocket for 576 yards (10.9 YPA), four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 127.6. 12 of Moore’s 64 explosive passes last season came from outside the pocket last season, which is a very good rate given the relative infrequency of those throws; it’s also where Moore is most comfortable as a thrower of the football right now.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 01: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 01: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Moore was pressured on 80 of his attempts last season, completing 46 passes (57.5%) for 639 yards (8.0 YPA), three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.2. When blitzed, Moore completed 102 of 146 passes (69.9%) for 1,411 yards (9.7 YPA), 14 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 118.3. Blitzes with and without pressure force Moore to speed up his clock, as they do for most quarterbacks, and this becomes an advantage in this case. It’s where it becomes clear that Moore has the potential to make quicker and better decisions within the timing of the down.

Going through progressions

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Moore is a good field reader in the pure progression sense, where he’s reading openings as opposed to waiting coverages out. It’s a beneficial concept in an NFL where coverage switches are more and more prevalent, especially for a quarterback — like Moore — who needs work on the timing of his reads and throws. Most of the time, he works from left to right, and while he will telegraph his intentions more than you’d like, he’s pretty comfortable for the most part with working 1-2. He could be more conversant with looking defenders off and dictating the action, but you could say that about some credible NFL quarterbacks.

Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs with the ball during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Jaxon Howard (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs with the ball during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Jaxon Howard (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Moore has the base athleticism to be an effective runner — he ran the ball 62 times for 298 yards and two touchdowns last season — but the most important number to consider here is the nine fumbles in 2025. Moore needs to get more consistent with simple things like center snap exchanges, and working with his running backs to ensure proper handoffs. Simple stuff, really, but it looks all too complex when it’s not done well.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 1: Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Moore could have a bright future as a Baker Mayfield/Jalen Hurts-type quarterback with the ability to define an offense that is designed for him. He isn’t scheme-transcendent — probably won’t ever be — but with another year of development, he could well be NFL-ready with a team that understands and can harness the out of structure stuff. Moore will absolutely need to accelerate the neurons from brain to arm before he hits the NFL, or the NFL will hit back… and often.

If Dante Moore stays put in a developmental sense, he could be in for a rough early go at the professional level. It’s why he was wise to go back to school, and why this upcoming season is of crucial importance — not only for him, but for the 2027 QB class overall.

#Dante #Moore #Oregon #NFLready">Dante Moore went back to Oregon to become NFL-ready. How far away is he?

When it comes to the 2027 quarterback class, hope springs eternal. Especially after a 2026 class that produced two first-rounders in Fernando Mendoza and Ty Simpson, and a 2025 class that produced two in Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart, the NFL prayer is that the 2027 group of signal-callers is more like the 2024 version, when there were three taken with the first three picks, six in the top 12, and four legit NFL starters in Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix. Even the relative stragglers (Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy) haven’t run entirely out of road when it comes to their NFL potential.

Ostensibly, the 2027 class looks absolutely ridiculous from a tools and potential perspective. We could have Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr, and Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby (depending on how Sorsby is affected by recent gambling allegations) all fighting to rest atop next year’s QB draft listings, and there are ways in which each one could do it. Not to mention the fact that there will be a surprise interloper who comes out of nowhere to show NFL potential.

That’s at least eight quarterbacks for NFL teams to consider next year. Of course, we also know that not every sure-thing prospect will ultimately become that even before he’s drafted; we’ve all seen the super-hyped guys fall down when they get hit without a plan.

The idea with this series is to evaluate each of the prominent future prospects with one eye on what they’ve already done, and the other on what they need to do in order to reach their ultimate ceiling.

We’ve already discussed Arch Manning in this space, so let’s move on to Oregon’s Dante Moore. The upcoming junior star began his college career with UCLA in 2023, transferred to the Ducks for a 2024 season in which he mostly sat behind Dillon Gabriel, and got his shot again in 2025. Overall, Moore completed 295 of 412 passes (71.6) for 3,550 yards (8.6 YPA), 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 111.8. Then, despite a relatively weak 2026 quarterback class that may have him going Top 5 (or Top 2) in the draft, Moore chose to return school for a fourth NCAA season.

“With this decision, mainly all my life has just been about being as most prepared as I can for any situation I go into,” Moore said on January 14, a few days after Oregon’s 56-22 CFP Semifinal loss to Indiana. “And when it comes to me making my decision, I just want to do what’s best for my situation, especially as a quarterback.

“With my decision, it’s been very tough. I’ve prayed a lot about it, talked to many people — my mentors and people I look up to. With that being said, of course I’ll be coming back to Oregon for one more year, being able to play for the Oregon Ducks and reach our goal and be national champions.”

What would Moore have been as a 2026 prospect, and how will another year in the incubator help him? Let’s get into it.

Dante Moore in the pocket

Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Combat Ducks quarterback Dante Moore throws a pass during warmups during the Oregon Ducks annual spring game on April 25, 2026 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last season when throwing from the pocket, Moore completed 261 of 359 passes (72.7%) for 2,989 yards (8.1 YPA (8.3 YPA), 26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 109.9. Not bad numbers at all, and there’s a lot upon which to build, but the primary issue with Moore as a pocket passer at this point is that he needs to speed up his reads and throws. He struggles to consistently throw with anticipation, and it will behoove him in 2026 to reduce the moving parts — both physically and mentally — to deal with the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Because things only get faster and more complex where he’s going in 2027.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 09: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 09: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Moore is a chaos grenade of a quarterback. He thrives on late-in-the-down reaction, and he’s at his best when he can move to one side of the field, cut the reads in half, and use his impressive combination of mobility and arm talent to make some seriously impressive things happen. It’s why he completed 35 of 57 passes (66.0%) outside the pocket for 576 yards (10.9 YPA), four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 127.6. 12 of Moore’s 64 explosive passes last season came from outside the pocket last season, which is a very good rate given the relative infrequency of those throws; it’s also where Moore is most comfortable as a thrower of the football right now.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 01: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 01: Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks gets sacked by David Bailey #31 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Moore was pressured on 80 of his attempts last season, completing 46 passes (57.5%) for 639 yards (8.0 YPA), three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 80.2. When blitzed, Moore completed 102 of 146 passes (69.9%) for 1,411 yards (9.7 YPA), 14 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 118.3. Blitzes with and without pressure force Moore to speed up his clock, as they do for most quarterbacks, and this becomes an advantage in this case. It’s where it becomes clear that Moore has the potential to make quicker and better decisions within the timing of the down.

Going through progressions

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Moore is a good field reader in the pure progression sense, where he’s reading openings as opposed to waiting coverages out. It’s a beneficial concept in an NFL where coverage switches are more and more prevalent, especially for a quarterback — like Moore — who needs work on the timing of his reads and throws. Most of the time, he works from left to right, and while he will telegraph his intentions more than you’d like, he’s pretty comfortable for the most part with working 1-2. He could be more conversant with looking defenders off and dictating the action, but you could say that about some credible NFL quarterbacks.

Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs with the ball during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Jaxon Howard (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Nov 14, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs with the ball during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Jaxon Howard (1) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Moore has the base athleticism to be an effective runner — he ran the ball 62 times for 298 yards and two touchdowns last season — but the most important number to consider here is the nine fumbles in 2025. Moore needs to get more consistent with simple things like center snap exchanges, and working with his running backs to ensure proper handoffs. Simple stuff, really, but it looks all too complex when it’s not done well.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 1: Quarterback Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders during the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Moore could have a bright future as a Baker Mayfield/Jalen Hurts-type quarterback with the ability to define an offense that is designed for him. He isn’t scheme-transcendent — probably won’t ever be — but with another year of development, he could well be NFL-ready with a team that understands and can harness the out of structure stuff. Moore will absolutely need to accelerate the neurons from brain to arm before he hits the NFL, or the NFL will hit back… and often.

If Dante Moore stays put in a developmental sense, he could be in for a rough early go at the professional level. It’s why he was wise to go back to school, and why this upcoming season is of crucial importance — not only for him, but for the 2027 QB class overall.

#Dante #Moore #Oregon #NFLready

TOSS

England has won the toss and opts to bowl first.

Three debuts handed out today: N Shree Charani (IND); Mady Villiers and Alice Capsey (ENG)

Playing XIs

India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Harmnpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah odrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana, N Shree Charani, Kranti Gaud

England: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones, Mady Villiers Ecclestone, Issy Wong, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell

Preview

This Test brings together the founding nation of the sport and its most formidable force. India has a brilliant record against England in Tests. In 16 encounters, India has three wins and a solitary loss, while the others were all drawn. Their most recent clash was at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai in 2023. India marched to a massive 347-run triumph then. England’s last win against India came in 1995.

Red-ball fixtures are few and far between in the women’s game. England and Australia are the ecosystem’s most active participants. India has been an enthusiastic follower, with South Africa too slowly hopping on board. The costs of staging Tests make this a tier too high for everyone else. Even a board like New Zealand, one of the game’s old powers, has been vocal about its disinterest in the format for women.

So, how this Test, staged on one of the game’s grandest stages, slots into cricket’s rhetoric, and whether larger questions about the format’s relevance in the women’s game will be answered, are things to watch.

But this Lord’s Test will be what it has been fashioned to be: historic. It is another major cultural and societal barrier broken. With record audiences expected and two hurting sides looking to sign off from a challenging international summer on a high, it remains to be seen whether this spectacle can prove to be the catalyst the ecosystem’s red-ball ambitions are crying out for.

SQUADS

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt.), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Varma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Harleen Deol, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare and Priya Punia.

England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (Capt.), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers and Issy Wong.

Published on Jul 12, 2026

#IND #ENG #Womens #Test #Day #Live #Score #India #leads #runs">IND vs ENG Women’s Test, Day 3 Live Score: India to 233/4, leads by 348 runs TOSSEngland has won the toss and opts to bowl first.Three debuts handed out today: N Shree Charani (IND); Mady Villiers and Alice Capsey (ENG)Playing XIsIndia: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Harmnpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah odrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sayali Satghare, Sneh Rana, N Shree Charani, Kranti GaudEngland: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones, Mady Villiers Ecclestone, Issy Wong, Lauren Filer, Lauren BellPreviewThis Test brings together the founding nation of the sport and its most formidable force. India has a brilliant record against England in Tests. In 16 encounters, India has three wins and a solitary loss, while the others were all drawn. Their most recent clash was at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai in 2023. India marched to a massive 347-run triumph then. England’s last win against India came in 1995.Red-ball fixtures are few and far between in the women’s game. England and Australia are the ecosystem’s most active participants. India has been an enthusiastic follower, with South Africa too slowly hopping on board. The costs of staging Tests make this a tier too high for everyone else. Even a board like New Zealand, one of the game’s old powers, has been vocal about its disinterest in the format for women.So, how this Test, staged on one of the game’s grandest stages, slots into cricket’s rhetoric, and whether larger questions about the format’s relevance in the women’s game will be answered, are things to watch.But this Lord’s Test will be what it has been fashioned to be: historic. It is another major cultural and societal barrier broken. With record audiences expected and two hurting sides looking to sign off from a challenging international summer on a high, it remains to be seen whether this spectacle can prove to be the catalyst the ecosystem’s red-ball ambitions are crying out for.SQUADSIndia: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt.), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Varma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Shree Charani, Nandni Sharma, Harleen Deol, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare and Priya Punia.England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (Capt.), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers and Issy Wong.Published on Jul 12, 2026 #IND #ENG #Womens #Test #Day #Live #Score #India #leads #runs

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