Dante Moore Likely Out for Season as Oregon’s Offensive Troubles Deepen
Dante Moore is out for the season, moving Oregon to No. 3 in CFBDepth’s impact injury rankings as the Ducks attempt to revive their offense following Drew Mehringer’s dismissal.
By Jack Walsh · Published
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season, head coach Dan Lanning said Monday, ending hopes that the Ducks’ starter could return to help revive a struggling offense. Moore has not played since suffering a concussion against USC on Sept. 26.
With Moore now expected to remain sidelined, Oregon moves to No. 3 in CFBDepth’s impact injury rankings.
Follow the latest player availability updates in CFBDepth’s Oregon injury report.
“I’m not anticipating him being back this season,” Lanning said. Moore has participated in controlled practices but has not been cleared for games. Lanning reiterated that he expects the quarterback to make a full recovery.
Moore finishes with 926 passing yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions in four appearances. Oregon has turned to Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas in his absence, going 1-2 and committing 10 turnovers across its last three games.
Monday’s announcement followed the dismissal of offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, a move that brought relief and celebration among frustrated Oregon fans. Many viewed the change as overdue after watching an offense that repeatedly looked lost and struggled to adjust. Saturday’s loss at Illinois captured that frustration: Oregon scored a touchdown on its opening possession, then managed just three points the rest of the game, while looking abysmal on passing downs.
The Ducks have averaged only 14 points over their last three games and sit at 4-3 following the 21-10 defeat in Champaign. Mehringer’s departure gives Oregon an opportunity to change direction, but that work must now proceed without a return from Moore. The immediate challenge is giving Raiola, Thomas and even Akili Smith Jr. a more coherent offense to operate, with better answers once the script runs out.
