5 players to watch for in Iowa football’s matchup against No. 6 Oregon

IOWA CITY — Iowa football fans Kinnick Stadium have quite the task in front of them.

The Ducks are flying East to battle it out in a Hawks next.

Iowa (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) hosts No. 6 Oregon (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten) following its second bye week. It’s the first time the Hawkeyes welcome in a top 10 ranked opponent since 2022, and the seventh time since 2016.

The Ducks also are returning from their second bye week after going 2-1 over the last three games. Their most recent loss? No. 2 Indiana.

Both teams are locked in fourth in the Big Ten, with Oregon fighting for a chance to secure its spot in the College Football Playoff. The Hawkeyes could play spoiler and build their own case for consideration.

Plus, Big Noon Kickoff will highlight the 2:30 p.m. matchup Saturday morning.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning will make his first appearance in Kinnick Stadium as a head coach for the high-stakes game, and it’ll be the first time Lanning and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz have faced off.

Here are five Oregon players to keep an eye out for during Iowa’s game against the Ducks.

QB Dante Moore

Oregon’s starting quarterback Dante Moore has proved he can handle high-pressure scenarios in his first year as the starter. He sat behind Dillon Gabriel last season, making five appearances.

This year, he’s recorded 19 passing touchdown, but didn’t record any against Wisconsin — the first time that’s happened this year. Moore averages 221.50 passing yards per game, and has only given up four picks.

He’s also recorded 131 rushing yards, but hasn’t run into the end zone himself. Moore averages just 16.38 rushing yards per game.

RB Jordan Davison

Though not the Ducks’ leading rusher, freshman Jordan Davison is no stranger to high stakes. As the No. 1 consensus running back in California, Davison has recorded 10 rushing touchdowns in 51 carries for a total 352 rushing yards in eight games.

He’s also not taken any tackles-for-loss in his young career.

Davison averages 6.9 yards per carry, with his season-long at 67 yards against Rutgers. He’s only behind Noah Whittington (72.17 per game) and Dierre Hill Jr. (44.64 per game) in yards per game.

WR Dakorien Moore

The Class of 2025’s No. 1 wide receiver, Dakorien Moore leads Oregon with 443 yards this season. He’s averaging 55.38 yards per game, and recorded a season-long 65-yard catch against Oklahoma State in Week 2.

Standing at 5-foot-11, Dakorien has caught three touchdown passes this season to help quarterback Moore’s numbers throughout the season. However, Dakorien’s touchdowns have been spread out — his last coming against Rutgers, which was his first in Big Ten play.

His best game this season was the double-overtime win at then-No. 2 Penn State, where he recorded 89 yards on seven catches.

LB Bryce Boettcher

Senior linebacker Bryce Boettcher leads Oregon in tackles, more than double any other player this season, standing at 64 through eight games played. He’s picked up two tackles-for-loss this season, counting for 10 yards.

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The reigning Burlsworth Trophy winner was granted one final year of eligibility for the 2025 season after playing football and baseball for the Ducks. He was an All-Big Ten second team honoree and was picked in the 13th round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros.

LB Teitum Tuioti

Junior outside linebacker Teitum Tuioti worked his way into Oregon’s rotation as a true freshman and wasn’t budged since. He’s recorded a team-high 8.5 tackles-for-loss, including 3.5 sacks for 19 yards.

Tuioti stands at 6-3 and 263 pounds, and has recorded 35 tackles this season. He gets to an opposing quarterback quickly, recording two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries so far.

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