Oregon Facing Uncertain Quarterback Future as Dante Moore Injury Leaves Return Plans Unknown

Moore’s season ends after concussion

Moore has not played since being injured in the second quarter of Oregon’s Sept. 26 win over USC. At a Monday evening press conference, Lanning said he did not expect Moore back this season and clarified that the decision was not made by the quarterback.

Lanning said Moore is expected to make a full recovery. USC linebacker Desman Stephens was ejected after the hit drew a targeting penalty, and USC suspended him for one additional game. Stephens and Trojans coach Lincoln Riley also issued statements, including a public apology from Stephens.

Oregon weighs its quarterback options

With Moore sidelined, Oregon’s available quarterbacks include Dylan Raiola, Brock Thomas and freshman Akili Smith Jr. The Ducks still have games against No. 20 Northwestern, No. 2 Ohio State, Michigan State and Washington.

Raiola entered against USC and led Oregon to a 41-27 victory, but the Ducks lost his next two starts, against UCLA and Illinois. Oregon also rotated Raiola and Thomas, including against Nebraska, where Thomas started before Raiola came in and helped secure a 17-15 win.

Return plans remain unresolved

Moore could return to Oregon next season, but an NFL Draft decision is also possible. Lanning said he has not spoken with Moore about returning and would not comment on what the quarterback might decide.

Across 20 games for Oregon, Moore recorded 4,450 passing yards and 39 touchdowns. His only full season as the Ducks’ starter was 2025, when he threw for 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, averaged 237.7 yards per game and completed 71.8 percent of his passes.

Offense faces broader challenges

In three full games during 2026, Moore averaged 283 passing yards per game. He finished the season with 926 passing yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions. Lanning also said offensive analyst Jay Johnson would lead play calling in place of Mehringer, whom Lanning fired seven games into the season.

Oregon’s scoring offense averaged 33.1 points per game through seven games, ranking No. 40 nationally. Without the 84-point game against Portland State, the average was 24.6; the Ducks converted 35.4 percent of third downs, ranking No. 107 among 138 teams.

In 2025, with Will Stein calling plays, Oregon averaged 36.9 points per game, ranking No. 10, and converted 46.8 percent of third downs, ranking No. 19. The figures underline the challenge facing the Ducks as they finish the season without Moore.