Oregon QB Dante Moore suffered concussion but no other additional injuries in second-quarter hit vs. USC

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore suffered a concussion in Saturday's win against USC but had not sustained any other injuries, the school announced Sunday night.

Moore was injured when he was hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II while sliding. After Stephens hit him, the back of Moore's head violently bounced off the turf. Moore was carted off the field on a backboard, transported to a waiting ambulance and taken to Los Angeles General Medical Center.

"Dante sustained a concussion in last night's game but fortunately his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries," Oregon said in a statement from head coach Dan Lanning. "Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future. We are extremely appreciative of our entire medical staff and the medical staffs at USC and LA General County Hospital for their quick and thorough action in making sure Dante received the very best care possible."

Moore was replaced by former Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola . He threw for 289 yards and two scores in relief of Moore as Oregon beat USC 41-27. The Ducks moved up to No. 15 in Sunday's AP Top 25 after the win while USC fell to No. 18.

Stephens was ejected from the game for targeting on the hit and was suspended for a game by USC head coach Lincoln Riley on Sunday. Stephens celebrated his hit while Moore was on the turf and potentially unconscious. Riley said after the game that he didn't see Stephens celebrating in real time, but made clear in a statement Sunday that Stephens' actions were inappropriate. Stephens also apologized.

"Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC football nor of his personal character," Riley said in the statement. "He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family."

Stephens will miss the team's game against Washington in Week 5.

Until Moore is ready to return to the field, Raiola will be Oregon's starter. Saturday night's game was his second in an Oregon uniform after he started for two seasons for the Huskers as a five-star recruit. Oregon is off in Week 5 before playing UCLA on Oct. 10.

Moore elected to return to Oregon for the 2026 season after the Ducks lost to Indiana in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Moore could have been a top-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but came back for another run at the national title.

Oregon moved to 3-1 with its win over USC after a Week 2 loss to Oklahoma State. USC, which opened the season in Week Zero, is now 4-1.