# Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore Likely Out for Season

> Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore's injury ends his season as coach Lanning confirms he won't return in 2026.
- Title: Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore Likely Out for Season | Shortify
- Summary: Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore's injury ends his season as coach Lanning confirms he won't return in 2026. Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore will not play in…
- Keywords: dante moore, oregon ducks, seattle, nfl, usc trojans, dan lanning, dylan raioola, brock thomas, akili smith jr, offensive analyst, jay johnson, drew mehringer
- Source: Oregon Ducks On SI — https://si.com/college/oregon/football/dante-moore-injury-update-oregon-ducks-uncertain-quarterback-future
- Published: 2026-10-27T01:53:21+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: dante moore, oregon ducks, seattle, nfl, usc trojans, dan lanning, dylan raioola, brock thomas, akili smith jr, offensive analyst, jay johnson, drew mehringer
## Dante Moore Injury
Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore has not played since suffering a concussion in the second quarter of Oregon's win over the USC Trojans on Sept. 26, 2026.
## Lanning Confirms No Return
During his press conference on Monday evening, Lanning confirmed that he does not expect Moore to play again in 2026.
## Moore's Season Status
The Ducks coach clarified that the decision was not made by Moore and that Moore is expected to make a full recovery.
## Lanning's Statement
I'm not anticipating him (Dante Moore) being back this season, no.

> I'm not anticipating him (Dante Moore) being back this season, no
## Lanning's Motivation
I think if it was up to Dante in any 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.

> I think if it was up to Dante in any 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
## Backup Quarterbacks
Oregon's quarterback room features backups Dylan Raiola, Brock Thomas, and freshman Akili Smith Jr.
## 2026 Season Games
Who leads the offense against the rest of the schedule remains to be seen as the Ducks still have games against No.20 Northwestern, No.
## Play-Calling Change
Lanning also confirmed that offensive analyst Jay Johnson will spearhead the play-calling efforts in replacement of Mehringer.
## Moore's 2026 Stats
In the three full games that Moore did play in during the 2026 season, the Ducks quarterback was averaging 283 passing yards per game.
## Moore's 2026 Season
He finishes the year with 926 total passing yards with 9 touchdowns and no interceptions.
## Injury Details
Moore injured in the USC game after a hit by Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens not only drew a targeting penalty but also saw Moore taken out of the stadium in the back of an ambulance.
## Stephens' Penalty
Stephens was ejected from the game because of the targeting penalty, and USC suspended him for one additional game as a result of his conduct.
## Offensive Struggles
The Ducks offense looked out of sync with or without Moore in at quarterback, and Lanning ultimately fired Mehringer seven games into the season.
## Backup Performance
After Moore's injury against USC, backup quarterback Dylan Raiola entered the game and led Oregon to a 41-27 win.
## Key takeaway

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore will not play in 2026 after suffering a concussion in the USC game on Sept. 26, 2026.