Dante Moore Out for Rest of Oregon Season After Concussion
Coach Dan Lanning confirmed the quarterback will not play in games again this year, citing ongoing recovery protocols from a September injury.
By Leila Saeed ·
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore will not return to game action for the 2026 season. Head coach Dan Lanning made the announcement on Monday, ending a wait that began when Moore suffered a head injury on Sept. 26.
Moore has been sidelined since taking a late hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II. Lanning stated that the coaching staff received clarity on Moore's status during the previous week. The coach explained that while Moore wants to play, the medical protocols are not entirely within his control.
"If it was up to Dante in any shape or way, he would want to be out there playing for the guys," Lanning said. "Unfortunately, it's not really up to Dante. It's not really up to me."
The Ducks lost Moore after he had completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 926 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception. In the 2025 season, Moore earned third-team All-Big Ten honors while throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns on a 71.8 percent completion rate.
Oregon's offense has struggled during Moore's absence. The team has rotated between backups Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas, resulting in inconsistent starts. Lanning identified consistency as the key need for the remaining players, noting that the backup group has been effective off the bench but lacks reliability at the beginning of contests.
Moore will remain with the team in a practice capacity. Lanning said Moore will serve as a scout team quarterback, a role Lanning described as valuable for preparing the defense. The coach added that he expects Moore to help improve the defense during practice sessions.
Oregon, currently 4-3 with a 2-2 record in conference play, faces No. 20 Northwestern on Saturday. Moore faces a decision after the 2026 campaign regarding whether to return to college or enter the NFL Draft. Lanning said the team has not discussed Moore's future plans, focusing instead on the current season. Moore retains eligibility for the 2027 season under NCAA rules and is projected as a first-round draft pick.
Source: CBS Sports
