Why Dakorien Moore is the biggest X-factor for Oregon Football in 2025
As the years go on, having true freshmen contribute immediately has become even more important than before.
When the Oregon Ducks secured the services of five-star receiver Dakorien Moore, it was assumed he would have some sort of impact on Oregon's 2025 season. But with the news of Evan Stewart injuring his knee and putting his season in question, Moore adjusting quickly and being an even bigger focal point of the Ducks' passing game just got that more important.
Fortunately for Oregon, Moore has the talent to be WR1 right away and have a similar impact that Jeremiah Smith had for Ohio State last season. According to CBS Sports, Moore's importance is so high that the Ducks' championship hopes might ride on it.
"There will be a lot of pressure on Dakorien Moore to produce as a true freshman. Oregon's ability to contend for another Big Ten title largely hinges on him flourishing right out of the gate," writer Carter Bahns said. "The Ducks were always going to rely on the No. 1 wide receiver recruit, but his role only got bigger when top returning target Evan Stewart sustained what is feared to be a potential season-ending injury. That is on top of the necessity to make life easy on a new starting quarterback in Dante Moore."
It's a lot of pressure to put on a true freshman, and it certainly is an unusual spot for a first-year player in Eugene. While the recruiting level has ratcheted up under Dan Lanning, veteran presence has played a huge part in their recent success. Dakorien Moore might have more eyes on him than any other true freshman has before at Oregon.
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