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Oregon quarterback Dante Moore will not return to action this season as he continues to recover from a concussion, head coach Dan Lanning announced on Monday. Moore has been sidelined since September 26, when he sustained the head injury following a late hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II.
Injury Recovery and Practice Role
According to Lanning, the team gained clarity on the situation recently, noting that while the player is eager to compete, medical and coaching staff decisions prevent it. Lanning reiterated that Moore is expected to make a full recovery from the serious head injury, but game action is ruled out for the present time.
Despite missing games, Lanning mentioned that Moore will continue to contribute to the program by aiding the team during practice sessions. The coach stated that Moore provides one of the top scout team looks on a weekly basis and appears sharp in those limited duties.
Offensive Struggles and Roster Impact
Before his injury, Moore completed 69.7% of his passes for 926 yards, recording nine touchdowns and no interceptions. In the previous season, Moore earned third-team All-Big Ten recognition after completing 71.8% of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
In Moore’s absence, the Oregon offense struggled near the bottom of Big Ten play while alternating backup quarterbacks Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas. Those offensive difficulties led to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer on Sunday.
When asked about expectations for Raiola and Thomas going forward, Lanning stressed the need for consistency, particularly during the opening stages of games. Oregon holds a 4-3 overall record and a 2-2 conference mark heading into a Saturday matchup against No. 20 Northwestern.
Future NFL Draft Considerations
Following last season, Moore was widely projected as a potential first-round NFL Draft selection, though he opted to return to school to pursue a national championship. With the current campaign derailed, Moore faces another major decision regarding his football future at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign.
Lanning stated that he has not discussed future plans with Moore, emphasizing that both parties remain focused on the current season. Lanning acknowledged Moore’s status as a talented player who will have professional drafting opportunities ahead.
Benefiting from the NCAA’s updated five-year eligibility rule, Moore retains the option to come back to Oregon for the 2027 season. Analysts remain divided on whether Moore will enter the draft despite the injury-shortened year or return to college to re-establish his draft position amid a 2027 quarterback class that lacks strong early reviews.
