Oregon head coach Dan Lanning confirmed on Monday night that junior quarterback Dante Moore will not see any more game action this season. The decision follows a severe concussion Moore suffered in late September, which has kept the Ducks’ offense struggling.
Health concerns drive the ruling
Lanning emphasized that the decision is strictly a medical matter. “It’s not up to Dante, and it’s not up to me,” the coach said. “We can control practice settings, but the game situation is different. He will recover fully, but he can’t play right now.”
The coach added that Moore’s absence is not a selfish choice on the player’s part. “He’s not choosing to sit out because the season isn’t looking the way he wants,” Lanning explained. “That’s not at all what this is.”
Impact on the Ducks’ season
Oregon entered the 2026 campaign with high expectations after a 13‑2 record in 2025, during which Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns. He began the current season with nine touchdown passes and no interceptions, but a hit against USC in early October halted his momentum.
Now sitting at 4‑3, the Ducks have already dismissed offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer after a loss to Illinois. The quarterback vacancy adds another layer of uncertainty for a team that hopes to return to the playoff semifinals.
Who will step in?
Assistant quarterbacks coach Jay Johnson, a former offensive coordinator at Michigan State, Colorado, and Wyoming, will take over play‑calling duties for the remainder of the season. However, the depth chart remains fluid. Dylan Raiola was recently benched in favor of Brock Thomas, only for the decision to be reversed shortly thereafter.
With no clear starter, Oregon will likely rely on a combination of backup quarterbacks while scouting for a long‑term solution. The program still has a year of eligibility left for Moore, and he remains a projected first‑round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, though his draft stock may be affected by the injury.
Looking ahead
Coach Lanning expressed confidence that Moore will return to full health and be an effective player in the future. “He’ll be 100 percent recovered and ready to contribute,” Lanning said. “It’s tough, but he’s handled it really well.”
The Ducks’ fans will have to wait until next season to see whether Moore can fulfill the promise he showed in 2025. In the meantime, Oregon’s coaching staff faces the challenge of keeping the offense competitive and preserving the team’s playoff aspirations.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
