Dante Moore, Gatlin Bair Connection Offers Intriguing Glimpse for Oregon

A new video of former 5-star recruit, receiver Gatlin Bair is showing off why he might be an underrated part of the Ducks’ 2026 freshman class.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore arrives at the field as the Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies on Nov. 29, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

EUGENE - Oregon Ducks fans have long awaited the arrival of five-star wide receiver Gatlin Bair.

Bair signed with Oregon back in 2024 before serving an LDS mission. Two years later, Bair might be an underrated part of the Ducks’ 2026 freshman class, with much of the focus on Lanning’s 2026 recruits.

Since arriving in Eugene in January, Bair has turned the heads of his teammates and coaches, with receiver Jeremiah McClellan calling him a "speed demon" and offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer revealing that the Ducks have been working on getting him "a ton" of reps at practice.

Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dante Moore Connects With Gatlin Bair

Now, a video of one of those reps from practice is offering an exciting glimpse of his connection with quarterback Dante Moore.

In a new video posted by Oregon football, Moore gave Gatlin Bair an opportunity to make a play... and Oregon’s explosive young receiver delivered. Moore tossed a deep ball into tight coverage, where Bair elevated over a defender to secure an impressive catch in congestion.

24 MPH speed. Strong hands over the middle.

An intriguing glimpse of the Dante Moore-Gatlin Bair connection 👀#GoDucks 📹 @oregonfootball pic.twitter.com/AQxXxYVxlB

— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) August 24, 2026

Oregon coach Dan Lanning pulled the curtain back on how Bair is receiving substantial work in a scrimmage environment designed to resemble a real game.

"Making practice as much as possible like a game.... We split into a Combat group, a Fighting Ducks group. We had teams, special teams operated as if it was a game. So a lot of that operation today was to help create that. So those guys (Bair) have had a lot of snaps in practice and those have to qualify,” Lanning said.

Bair went without live football reps for two years, and it sounds like Lanning and the Ducks are providing him with plenty of opportunities for growth before the 2026 season.

Bair's speed - bursts up to 24 MPH - are on full display during Oregon's practices, per McClellan.

Oregon Ducks Jeremiah McClellan | Oregon Ducks on SI Will Seibert

“He's starting to, the offense is starting to slow down for him. He's starting to know what he's doing on all of his assignments and things like that now. So, he's really growing right now, and he has to just keep growing," McClellan said.

Mehringer also previously said Bair had some rust to eliminate but was impressed with his size, speed, strength, toughness and work ethic.

That's why the practice clip is notable, it shows the Ducks are giving Bair the game-like reps to help get him up to speed - literally. With quickness like Bair's, it might be tough to keep him off the field. His connection with Moore will be important to monitor

Gatlin Bair Impressing Coaches, Teammates

Bair is competing for snaps in a crowded room that includes McClellan, Evan Stewart, Dakorien Moore and Iverson Hooks.

Oregon wide receivers coach Ross Douglas works with players during Oregon’s spring game on April 26, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Not only did he post impressive numbers on the football field in high school, but he also showed off incredible speed as a track and field athlete.

Bair has the potential to be a dangerous weapon in the Ducks offense with his speed and athletic ability. On the track, Bair recorded times of 10.15 seconds in the 100 and 20.47 seconds in the 200 meters – fast times for a high schooler. He also posted a 22-4 long jump and 45-6.75 triple jump.

"He's big, he's fast, he can jump. There's not much he can't do athletically," Oregon wide receivers coach Ross Douglas said. "You see it every single day; he's one of the best athletes on our team. He's in really good condition, so he can uphold that athleticism for a very long time and repeat those efforts. It's incredible to see."

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks the field ahead of the game as the Oregon State Beavers host the Oregon Ducks Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Douglas made it clear that Bair's physical gifts are a threat.

His speed is garnering attention away from the football field too. The freshman is rated as one of the fastest players in College Football 27, with an overall speed of 99. 

Bair was rated the No. 1 player in the state of Idaho in his class. The five-star recruit initially committed to play for the Boise State Broncos before decommitting and announcing his commitment to Oregon in February of 2024. Ironically, Bair's first chance to see the field in a Ducks game will be vs. Boise State at 12 p.m. PT on Sept. 5 in Autzen Stadium.

One completion during practice does not guarantee Bair’s place in Oregon’s rotation, especially in one of the deepest position groups on the roster. However, the impressive catch combined with his growing workload suggests the Ducks could have yet another young player who could make a quick impact.

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