Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was taken from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum by ambulance after a frightening second-quarter hit against USC that resulted in Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II being ejected for targeting.
what an asshole
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 27, 2026
look at this behavior
Moore was carted off the field 15 minutes later https://t.co/9IRwI0IkpN pic.twitter.com/4uAGLAazgk
Oregon later provided an encouraging initial update, saying Moore has movement in all of his extremities and was undergoing a thorough evaluation at a Los Angeles hospital.
The injury immediately changed the atmosphere of Saturday night’s Big Ten matchup. Moore had scrambled into USC territory and was attempting a feet-first slide when Stephens arrived late and made hard contact around the head-and-chest area.
Dante Moore taken by ambulance after targeting hit
Moore picked up about 10 yards on the play before beginning his slide near the USC 12-yard line. As he went toward the ground, Stephens delivered a shoulder hit that forced Moore’s head backward and into the turf.
Video of the play appeared to show Moore briefly displaying what some reports described as a fencing response, an involuntary posture that can sometimes occur after a significant blow to the head. That observation does not by itself establish a medical diagnosis.
Moore remained down for several minutes as Oregon’s medical staff rushed onto the field. Officials reviewed the play and confirmed targeting, resulting in Stephens’ disqualification.
The aftermath quickly became heated. Oregon players confronted Stephens, players from both teams moved toward the developing scrum and coaches had to intervene. Both teams were later assessed unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties.
The initial reports said Moore remained on the field for an extended period while Oregon’s training staff evaluated him.
He was placed in a neck brace, secured to a stretcher and moved onto a cart before being transferred to another gurney near the Coliseum tunnel and placed into an ambulance.
Moore could be seen moving his hands and feet as he was taken away. Oregon later confirmed that he had movement in all four extremities while undergoing further evaluation.
This is the dirtiest hit Iâve ever seenâŠkick this guy out for the season.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 27, 2026
Clearly Dante Moore is giving himself up pic.twitter.com/oUW99cx6eO
Some social-media posts described Moore as having been knocked unconscious, but Oregon had not publicly confirmed that he lost consciousness. The confirmed details were that he remained down after the hit, required prolonged medical attention and was transported by ambulance for evaluation.
Head coach Dan Lanning addressed Moore’s condition during his halftime radio interview.
âWe’re getting him checked out. Obviously we’ve got to be very thorough with what that looks like. We’re all praying for him right now.â
Oregon had not announced a specific diagnosis or timetable for Moore’s return. Until the school provides further medical information, claims about the exact nature or severity of the injury should be treated cautiously.
Desman Stephens ejected as reaction draws backlash
The targeting hit itself immediately became one of the biggest talking points from the game, but Stephens’ reaction afterward drew almost as much attention.
Broadcast footage and clips circulating online showed Stephens on the USC sideline smiling and interacting with teammates while Moore was still receiving medical treatment, prompting sharp criticism across social media.
That reaction became part of the wider controversy surrounding the play, with former players, analysts and fans questioning the optics of celebrating while Moore remained down.
The confirmed disciplinary action during the game was Stephens’ targeting ejection. Any additional punishment would have to be announced separately by USC or the Big Ten.
Stephens entered the matchup as a key part of USC’s defense and is listed among the Trojans’ linebackers on the program’s official roster.
Dylan Raiola responds after replacing Moore
Oregon then had to turn immediately to backup quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Raiola, who transferred from Nebraska to Oregon, replaced Moore and made an immediate impact.
On his first passing attempt after entering the game, Raiola found Evan Stewart for a three-yard touchdown.
The quick response highlighted why Oregon’s quarterback depth could become so important if Moore is forced to miss any time.
Raiola continued to move the offense effectively after taking over, while Moore’s condition remained the biggest concern surrounding the game.
Moore entered Saturday’s matchup as one of the most closely watched quarterbacks in college football. He had thrown for 849 yards and nine touchdowns through Oregon’s first three games.
He also entered the season as a preseason Heisman Trophy contender after choosing to return to Oregon following a standout junior campaign rather than move on to the NFL.
Moore had also been widely discussed as a potential early selection in the next NFL Draft, adding another layer of significance to his health.
Oregon had entered the season among the programs receiving major national attention in the 2026 college football rankings conversation.
Saturday’s matchup against USC marked another major test, but the focus quickly shifted away from the score following Moore’s injury.
For Oregon, the next major development will be the result of Moore’s hospital evaluation and whether the program provides additional information about his availability.
The confirmation that Moore has movement in all four extremities is an encouraging early update, but the Ducks are continuing to evaluate him before determining what comes next.
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