Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was rushed to the hospital midway through Saturday’s game against USC.
Moore took a hard hit from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II while sliding for a first down early in the second quarter. Every referee on the field threw a flag on the play for the late contact that banged Moore’s head hard against the grass at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in L.A., Calif.
The senior QB lay motionless on the ground as a fight broke out between the two teams.
Stephens was disqualified from the game for targeting, while both the Ducks and Trojans were hit with unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Prayers to Dante Moore who just got hit by a very scary targeting shot pic.twitter.com/J2pFg9dnkW
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 27, 2026
Here’s another angle of Stephens’ controversial hit on Moore.
Scary hit on Dante Moore, but wth is this reaction by USC while that dude is laying on the field? pic.twitter.com/wpfabBgOzl
— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) September 27, 2026
Moore was eventually carted off the field and transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance.
According to an Oregon spokesperson, Moore was “being evaluated thoroughly” at L.A. General County Hospital. He reportedly has movement in all his extremities.
Moore left the game after going 8/10 for 77 yards. QB Dylan Raiola replaced Moore and threw for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the Ducks to a 41-27 win with their starter sidelined.
