Dante Moore Knocked Out of Oregon-USC Game After Hit

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was knocked out of the Ducks’ game against USC on September 26, 2026, after taking a frightening hit while sliding during a second-quarter scramble. The play resulted in USC linebacker Desman Stephens II being ejected for targeting, while Moore was taken from the field on a stretcher and transported by ambulance for further medical evaluation.

The injury became one of the most concerning moments of the ranked matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Moore received treatment on the field for several minutes before being placed on a backboard, fitted with a neck brace and moved toward a waiting ambulance. Reports from the NBC broadcast indicated that Moore was moving his hands and had movement in his extremities as he was taken away.

Latest Update on Dante Moore: September 27, 2026

As of September 27, 2026, the latest publicly reported information is that Moore was taken to Los Angeles General County Hospital for evaluation after the hit. Oregon coach Dan Lanning said at halftime that the team was being thorough with the quarterback’s evaluation and that everyone was praying for him.

No official medical diagnosis or confirmed timetable for Moore’s return has been established in the reports reviewed for this article. That means reports describing the injury as a specific concussion, neck injury or other medical condition should be treated carefully unless they are confirmed by Oregon, Moore’s medical team or another authoritative source.

The situation is particularly important because Moore entered the 2026 season as Oregon’s starting quarterback and one of the most closely watched players on the Ducks’ roster. Oregon’s official roster lists him as a senior quarterback from Detroit, Michigan, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds.

What Happened to Dante Moore?

The injury occurred with 10:05 remaining in the second quarter of Oregon’s game against USC. Moore scrambled for a first down and gained roughly 11 yards as he moved toward the USC 12-yard line. He began his slide to end the play, but Stephens arrived and made forceful contact with Moore around the head and upper body.

Moore’s head then hit the turf, and he remained on the field while Oregon’s medical staff immediately came onto the field. The seriousness of the moment was clear as players gathered around their quarterback and the game was stopped while medical personnel worked with him.

Moore was eventually placed on a backboard and taken away on a stretcher. He was wearing a neck brace when he was transported from the field, and an ambulance was waiting near the tunnel to take him for additional evaluation.

According to reports from the NBC broadcast, Moore was moving his arms, hands and fingers while being removed from the stadium. Those observations are encouraging details about movement, but they do not establish a medical diagnosis or tell us how long Moore may be unavailable.

Why Was USC’s Desman Stephens Ejected?

USC linebacker Desman Stephens II was initially penalized for targeting following the collision. Officials reviewed the play, and the targeting ruling was upheld, resulting in Stephens being disqualified from the game.

The penalty followed contact that occurred as Moore was attempting to slide. The play also triggered a confrontation between players from both teams. Oregon players moved toward Stephens after the hit, and officials had to separate members of the two teams while Moore continued receiving medical attention. Both teams were assessed unsportsmanlike-conduct penalties during the aftermath.

Stephens, a junior from Clarkston, Michigan, was a starting USC linebacker. The Associated Press reported that he had recorded 89 tackles during the previous season.

Dante Moore’s Stats Before Leaving the Game

Moore left the contest after completing 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards. He had also recorded a 10-yard rushing attempt before the injury. His departure forced Oregon to turn to Dylan Raiola at quarterback for the remainder of the game.

Raiola immediately stepped into an important role. On his second snap after replacing Moore, he connected with Evan Stewart for a touchdown that put Oregon ahead 10-7.

Oregon eventually finished the game with a 41-27 victory over USC. Raiola threw two touchdown passes and completed 19 of 25 attempts for 289 yards, helping the Ducks maintain their lead after Moore’s departure.

Who Is Dante Moore?

Dante Moore is an Oregon quarterback who entered the 2026 season as one of the team’s most important offensive players. Oregon’s official roster lists him as a redshirt junior in the 2026 season, with a Detroit, Michigan, hometown and Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School as his high school. He previously played at UCLA before transferring to Oregon.

Moore returned to Oregon for the 2026 season after starting at quarterback during the previous campaign. Oregon’s athletics department announced in January that Moore would return for another season, along with several other key contributors from the Ducks’ College Football Playoff team.

His 2025 season included several major performances. Oregon’s official records credit him with strong postseason production, including five total touchdowns in the Ducks’ 51-34 College Football Playoff victory over James Madison. He was also named the Capital One Orange Bowl Offensive MVP.

Before the USC game, Moore had also produced a huge performance against Portland State. Oregon reported that he completed 19 of 23 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns during the first half of that 84-0 victory.

Was Dante Moore Knocked Unconscious?

Video and television reports showed Moore remaining down after the collision, leading to widespread concern about the nature of the injury. Some reports described an apparent head injury, while other coverage discussed the visible reaction immediately following the hit.

However, it is important to separate what was visible during the game from an official medical diagnosis. The reports reviewed for this article did not provide an official diagnosis from Oregon’s medical staff, so it would be inappropriate to state as fact that Moore suffered a particular type of brain or spinal injury.

Did Dante Moore Have Movement After the Hit?

Yes. Reports from the NBC broadcast said Moore was moving his extremities while being taken from the field. The Associated Press also reported that Moore could be seen moving both hands while strapped to the stretcher.

Those observations were reported while Moore was being transported for evaluation. They should not be interpreted as a medical clearance or as evidence that he avoided a serious injury. Only a medical examination can determine the extent of the damage and whether he can safely return to football.

Did Dante Moore Go to the Hospital?

Yes. Moore was transported by ambulance to Los Angeles General County Hospital for further evaluation after leaving the Coliseum. The hospital evaluation followed the extended on-field treatment and careful removal from the stadium.

At the time of the latest reports reviewed, there was no publicly confirmed diagnosis or return-to-play timetable. Oregon coach Dan Lanning’s halftime comments emphasized that the team wanted to evaluate Moore carefully.

What Happened to Oregon After Moore Left?

Oregon did not collapse after losing its starting quarterback. Raiola took over and helped the Ducks continue moving the football against USC, while Oregon’s defense and running game also contributed to the victory.

The Ducks ultimately defeated USC 41-27. The win gave Oregon a significant result in its first Big Ten game of the 2026 season, but the health of Moore remained the major concern surrounding the team after the final whistle.

Quick Table: Dante Moore Injury

Reader Questions

What happened to Dante Moore against USC?

Dante Moore was injured while sliding after a scramble against USC on September 26, 2026. He was hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II, who was ejected for targeting, and Moore was taken from the field on a stretcher for medical evaluation.

Was Dante Moore knocked out of the Oregon-USC game?

Yes. Moore left the game in the second quarter and did not return. Dylan Raiola replaced him at quarterback for Oregon.

Was Desman Stephens ejected for hitting Dante Moore?

Yes. Stephens was ejected after officials reviewed and upheld a targeting penalty on the play involving Moore.

Did Dante Moore go to the hospital?

Yes. Moore was transported by ambulance to Los Angeles General County Hospital for further evaluation after being removed from the field.

What is Dante Moore’s injury?

The latest reports confirm an apparent head injury requiring hospital evaluation, but an official medical diagnosis had not been publicly established in the sources reviewed. Reports should not be treated as confirmation of a specific concussion, neck injury or other condition unless Oregon or medical officials confirm it.

Is Dante Moore expected to play in Oregon’s next game?

There was no confirmed return date in the latest reports reviewed. Moore’s availability should depend on the results of his medical evaluation and any subsequent clearance from Oregon’s medical staff.

Who replaced Dante Moore against USC?

Dylan Raiola replaced Moore after the injury. Raiola helped Oregon finish the game and threw two touchdown passes in the Ducks’ 41-27 victory.

Did Oregon beat USC after Dante Moore left?

Yes. Oregon defeated USC 41-27 after Moore left the game. Raiola and the rest of the Ducks offense helped Oregon maintain control and secure the victory.

Wrap-Up

Dante Moore’s injury became the defining moment of Oregon’s September 26 matchup with USC. The quarterback was attempting to end a run by sliding when he was hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II, and the resulting collision led to a targeting ejection, a lengthy medical stoppage and Moore’s removal from the stadium by ambulance.

The immediate reports provided some encouraging information about movement in Moore’s extremities, but they did not establish the full extent of his injury. Moore was taken to Los Angeles General County Hospital for evaluation, and Oregon coach Dan Lanning indicated that the team wanted to be thorough with the quarterback’s medical assessment.

For now, the most responsible update is that Moore was hospitalized for evaluation and his confirmed diagnosis and playing status remain pending. Any new information about his condition, recovery or return to the Oregon lineup should come from the Ducks, Moore’s representatives or qualified medical personnel rather than speculation based on video footage.