The Dante Moore injury cast a shadow over one of college football‘s biggest rivalry games on Saturday night. Oregon’s star quarterback was taken off the field on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance after a frightening hit to the head during the Ducks’ showdown with No. 12 USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Moore, a Heisman Trophy candidate and an expected high pick in the next NFL draft, was hurt in the second quarter when he was hit by Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II while attempting to slide. According to the New York Post, Moore lay motionless on the field before being placed on a stretcher and transported to a nearby hospital, with NBC reporting that he has movement in his arms and legs.
What Happened on the Dante Moore Injury Play
With No. 20 Oregon trailing 7-3 late in the second quarter, Moore scrambled up the middle and picked up an 11-yard gain to the USC 12-yard line. As he leaned back to slide and give himself up, Stephens came in and delivered a hit to Moore’s head — described by the Post as a forearm to the head, while the Associated Press reported it as a shoulder hit to the head and chest.
Moore’s head snapped back and struck the turf hard. He lay motionless on the field as a chaotic scene unfolded: jawing and shoving broke out between the teams, with assistant coaches stepping in to separate players. The game was delayed for about 15 minutes while medical personnel cautiously treated Moore.
According to the AP, Moore was fitted with a neck brace, strapped to a stretcher, and moved by cart to a waiting ambulance at the base of the Coliseum tunnel. He was seen moving both of his hands during the process, and teammates gathered around the cart to offer support before it departed to applause. The Spun, citing NBC, reported that Moore was transported to LA General County Hospital with movement in his legs and fingers.
Stephens Ejected for Targeting After Hit
Stephens was flagged for targeting and ejected from the game, with USC holding a 7-3 lead at the time. Both teams were also flagged for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties after the scuffle.
The hit drew immediate condemnation from onlookers. The New York Post noted that Stephens was seen gloating on the sideline with teammates after the play, which only inflamed tensions. The junior linebacker from Clarkston, Michigan — a starter who made 89 tackles last season, per the AP — headed to the Trojans’ locker room after his ejection.
Moore finished his day completing 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards before the injury.
Dylan Raiola Steps In and Throws TD
The injury brought backup quarterback Dylan Raiola into the game — a player with his own history of cruel luck against the Trojans. Raiola transferred to Oregon from Nebraska, where his season ended last year when he suffered a right ankle injury while playing against USC.
According to the AP, on just his second snap, Raiola threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Evan Stewart, putting the Ducks ahead 10-7. The Ducks Wire’s live coverage confirmed Raiola tossed the score to Stewart in the flat, giving Oregon the lead shortly after Moore was stretchered off.
USC tied the game at 10-10 on a 38-yard field goal by Caden Chittenden before halftime. At the time of reporting, live updates had Oregon ahead 20-10 in the third quarter, with the final result unconfirmed.
Broader Stakes: Lanning, Riley and the Rivalry
The matchup carried significant stakes for both programs. According to the Ducks Wire, both head coaches — Dan Lanning at Oregon and Lincoln Riley at USC — are under plenty of scrutiny this season. Lanning described the rivalry matchup as “not just another game” for Oregon.
For the Ducks, the concern now shifts beyond this game to Moore’s health. As a Heisman Trophy candidate and potential early NFL draft pick, Moore is the centerpiece of Oregon’s season. Any extended absence would reshape the Ducks’ season and the Big Ten race. No official update on Moore’s condition beyond the NBC report of movement in his extremities had been released as of this writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Dante Moore injury?
Oregon QB Dante Moore took a hit to the head from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II while sliding in the second quarter. He was placed on a stretcher and taken away in an ambulance after a roughly 15-minute delay.
What is Dante Moore’s injury status?
According to NBC, Moore has movement in his arms and legs, and The Spun reported he was taken to LA General County Hospital with movement in his legs and fingers. No official diagnosis has been released as of this writing.
Was Desman Stephens ejected for the hit on Dante Moore?
Yes. Stephens was flagged for targeting and ejected from the game. Both teams were also penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after the ensuing scuffle.
Who replaced Dante Moore after the injury?
Backup QB Dylan Raiola, who transferred from Nebraska, entered the game and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Evan Stewart on his second snap, giving Oregon a 10-7 lead.
SOURCES
- New York Post — “Oregon QB Dante Moore leaves USC game in ambulance after hit to head” — https://nypost.com/2026/09/26/sports/oregon-qb-dante-moore-leaves-usc-game-in-ambulance/
- Associated Press (via 28/22 News) — “Oregon QB Dante Moore leaves field on cart, in neck brace after late hit from USC’s Desman Stephens” — https://www.2822news.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-oregon-qb-dante-moore-leaves-field-on-cart-in-neck-brace-after-late-hit-from-uscs-desman-stephens/
- The Spun — “Oregon QB Dante Moore Hospitalized After Big Hit vs. USC” — https://thespun.com/college-football/oregon-qb-dante-moore-hospitalized-after-big-hit-vs-usc
- Ducks Wire (USA Today) — “Oregon Ducks vs. USC Trojans live updates” — https://duckswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/ducks/football/2026/09/26/oregon-football-live-game-updates-analysis-usc-trojans–live/91927429007/
