Updated: December 21, 2025
In the exciting world of college football, few young quarterbacks have captured attention quite like Dante Moore. The Oregon Ducks’ talented QB has risen to prominence with his impressive arm, leadership, and poise on the field. But behind every great athlete is a strong family foundation. For Dante Moore, that foundation comes from his dedicated parents, Otha Moore and Jera Jane Bohlen-Moore. As Moore leads the Ducks into the College Football Playoff, fans are curious about the people who helped shape this rising star.
Table of Contents
Who Is Dante Moore?
Dante Moore, born on May 24, 2005, in East Cleveland, Ohio, is one of college football’s brightest young talents. Growing up in nearby Elyria before moving to Detroit, Michigan, Moore quickly made a name for himself at Martin Luther King Jr. High School. His high school career was legendary:
- Led his team to back-to-back state championships.
- Amassed nearly 10,000 passing yards and 135 touchdowns.
- Earned accolades like Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year.
A five-star recruit, Moore initially committed to Oregon, flipped to UCLA (where he started as a true freshman in 2023), and transferred back to the Ducks in late 2023. After a redshirt year learning behind Dillon Gabriel in 2024, Moore exploded in 2025 as Oregon’s starter, throwing for over 2,700 yards and guiding the team to the playoffs.
Meet Dante Moore’s Parents: Otha Moore and Jera Jane Bohlen-Moore
Dante’s parents, Otha Moore and Jera Jane Bohlen-Moore, have been his biggest supporters. Otha, a Detroit native with ties to Michigan fandom, is known for his quiet strength and emphasis on hard work. The family mantra—”Hard work is undefeated”—comes straight from him, instilling discipline in Dante from a young age.
Jera Jane, originally from Ohio and an Ohio University alum, brings resilience to the family. She’s a breast cancer survivor, a battle that inspired Dante during his freshman year at UCLA. He often calls her “strong,” crediting her courage for helping him stay focused amid challenges.
Both parents keep a low public profile, prioritizing family over fame. They’ve attended countless practices, games, and recruiting visits, providing unwavering guidance.
Family Background and Influence
The Moore family blends roots from Ohio and Detroit, creating a household full of rivalry (think Michigan vs. Ohio State debates!) and unity. Dante, African-American like his parents, grew up with values of faith, grit, and perseverance.
Key influences from his parents include:
- Discipline and Work Ethic: Otha’s tireless example taught Dante that effort beats talent.
- Resilience: Jera’s health journey showed the power of strength in adversity.
- Support System: The family sacrificed time and resources to fuel Dante’s dreams.
This solid backdrop helped Moore navigate highs (state titles) and lows (transfer portal decisions).
Dante Moore Quick Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parents | Otha Moore (Father), Jera Jane Bohlen-Moore (Mother) |
| Birthplace | East Cleveland, Ohio |
| High School | Martin Luther King Jr. (Detroit, MI) |
| College Career | UCLA (2023), Oregon (2024-present) |
| 2025 Stats (as of Dec 2025) | ~2,773 passing yards, 24+ TDs |
| Notable Achievement | Leading Oregon to CFP first-round win |
| Family Mantra | “Hard work is undefeated” |
Conclusion
Dante Moore’s journey from a talented kid in Detroit to a playoff quarterback for the Oregon Ducks is inspiring, but it’s his parents, Otha and Jera Jane, who deserve much credit. Their quiet support, resilience, and emphasis on hard work have molded a young man ready for the big stage. As Moore contemplates his NFL future amid playoff buzz, one thing is clear: his family’s foundation will guide him wherever he goes next. Go Ducks!