Dakorien Moore injury update: Dan Lanning reveals why Oregon WR missed game vs. Iowa

Dakorien Moore missed Saturday’s game at Iowa after he “tweaked his knee” on a non-contact play in practice this week, Oregon coach Dan Lanning said in his postgame press conference. He expects the standout freshman to be alright.

Moore’s status came into question Saturday, and he was later ruled out on the final availability report ahead of kickoff. He entered the game at Iowa as Oregon’s leading receiver, totaling 28 receptions for 443 yards and three touchdowns through his first eight games.

Lanning said he’s optimistic Moore will be okay after missing the victory over Iowa. Oregon has a short week in Week 12 as the Ducks welcome Minnesota to Autzen Stadium on Friday night.

Moore arrived on campus this year as a Five Star Plus+ prospect, meaning he was one of the only prospects ranked by all three major recruiting media companies as a five-star. He was the No. 5 overall player and top-rated wide receiver prospect from the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Through the first half of the year, Moore made an immediate impact as a true freshman. That earned him a spot on On3 | Rivals’ Charles Power’s Midseason True Freshman All-American Team.

“Through the first half of the season, Moore ranks third among all true freshmen with 335 receiving yards along with two touchdowns,” Power wrote. “His blend of dynamic long speed, crisp route running, and high-end ball skills have carried over to Saturdays. Moore can take the top off a defense but is equally comfortable working underneath, showing a well-rounded skill set that is rare for a first-year receiver.

“As Oregon enters the heart of Big Ten play, Moore’s production and target share should only continue to grow. His early impact highlights the strength of the Ducks’ 2025 freshman class, which also features running backs Dierre Hill and Jordon Davison along with cornerback Brandon Finney. Moore already looks like one of the most naturally gifted young wide receivers in college football.”

Despite Dakorien Moore’s absence, Oregon was still able to gut out a big-time victory on Saturday. The Ducks – in the elements of Iowa City – got a last-second field goal from Atticus Sappington to take down the Hawkeyes, 18-16, and avoid the upset. Dante Moore made some huge plays for Oregon down the stretch, including on the final possession to help get the Ducks into field goal range.