Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore to Miss Remainder of Season Due to Concussion

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore will not play for the rest of the 2026 college football season due to a lingering 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 during a game. Although he has participated in limited practice activities and thrown the ball around recently, he has not yet received official medical clearance to return to competitive play.

Lanning emphasized that the decision to keep Moore off the field is strictly medical and health-related, dismissing any notion that the quarterback chose to sit out due to the team's difficult season. "If it was up to Dante in any shape or way, he would want to be out there playing for the guys. Unfortunately, it's not really up to Dante. It's not really up to me," Lanning told reporters, adding that a full recovery is fully anticipated.

Before the injury halted his campaign, Moore was off to a strong start, completing 69.7% of his passes for 926 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His absence has significantly impacted the Ducks' offense, which has struggled during Big Ten play. With a 4-3 overall record, Oregon has alternated between backup quarterbacks Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas in recent weeks as the team navigates a challenging stretch.

Lanning noted that even without game-day appearances, Moore continues to contribute by aiding the team in practice and working with the scout team. "We're getting one of the best scout team looks every single week in practice, and he looks good out there," the coach said.

Moore's sidelined status casts uncertainty on his professional future. After choosing to return to Oregon for the 2026 season rather than entering the NFL Draft—where he was projected as a potential high first-round pick—missing the majority of his senior year alters his draft trajectory. Under the NCAA's updated five-year eligibility policy, Moore retains the option to return for a fifth collegiate season in 2027 or declare for the NFL Draft, though Lanning stated that the two have not yet discussed future plans.

For the immediate future, Oregon must prepare for its upcoming matchup against No. 20 Northwestern. Lanning has not yet named a starting quarterback for Saturday's game as the coaching staff evaluates performance and consistency within the quarterback room.