The Oregon Ducks suffered the most shocking loss of the young college football season by falling to Oklahoma State 39-31 in Week 2. Senior quarterback Dante Moore was nowhere to be found during media availability following the Ducks’ loss on the road, which was noticed by every reporter in the room, but according to head coach Dan Lanning, his absence was excused.
The way in which Lanning explained the situation with Moore, however, has led to quite the reaction among fans.
The 40-year-old shared that his quarterback was dehydrated after the final whistle in Stillwater, Okla., before alluding to that being the cause of his absence during the postgame media scrum.
Head Coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks talks to one of the referees during the second half of the game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images) (Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)
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“I don’t think he chose not to,” Lanning said during his news conference on Monday. “Did you know he was getting two IVs after the game? He was dehydrated. He’ll be speaking to you guys tomorrow. Any question that you want to ask him, you can certainly ask him.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever given an interview while you’re getting an IV at the same time, getting treatment. Does that make a little more sense? And then there’s a bus and a flight you’re trying to catch, as well. But Dante will be here tomorrow. You can talk to Dante. He was cramping up on the field.”
Dante Moore #5 of the Oregon Ducks looks on between plays during a game between Boise State University and University of Oregon at Autzen Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) (Al Sermeno/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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Lanning asking the reporter if the situation made sense, and then reminding everyone that the team had a bus and plane to catch came across as a bit condescending, but the head coach wasn’t done there.
When asked why the information about Moore being dehydrated wasn’t relayed to the media following the game, Lanning turned defensive.
Head Coach Dan Lanning of the Oregon Ducks prepares for a play as his team takes the field during the second half of the game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on September 5, 2026 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images) (Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)
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“Well, should it be?” Lanning asked before the reporter suggested it could have been shared privately to avoid confusion.
“So, before you write your article, they should say, ‘Hey, just so you guys know'” Lanning asked with a smile, before letting out a “good job” and moving to the next question.
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Oregon’s loss to Oklahoma State was stunning for a number of different reasons.
For starters, the Ducks began the year as a favorite to win the national championship, while the Cowboys are very much in a rebuild mode and lost at home to Tulsa just seven days prior, 24-10. Oregon was a significant favorite heading into the contest against an Oklahoma State team it beat 69-3 the season prior.
Moore finished the contest going 14-for-29 through the air for 191 yards and two touchdowns.