Ducks QB Moore sustains concussion from hit while sliding

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  Paolo UggettiSep 27, 2026, 07:52 PM ET

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore sustained a concussion after being hit while sliding during the second quarter of Saturday's 41-27 win over USC, head coach Dan Lanning announced Sunday.

"Fortunately, his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries," Lanning said in a statement.

After he was looked at by training staff on the field for an extended period of time following the hit, Moore was stabilized and loaded onto a stretcher before being placed in an ambulance that took him to Los Angeles General County Hospital. There, he had movement in all his extremities and was being evaluated, a school spokesperson said Saturday night. Lanning said that Moore had the ability to move during his postgame news conference.

"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," Lanning said Sunday. "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."

USC linebacker Desman Stephens II was penalized for targeting and ejected from the game for the late hit on Moore. USC head coach Lincoln Riley announced Sunday that Stephens would be suspended for the Trojans' next game against Washington on Oct. 3 due to his conduct after the incident.

While Moore was still on the ground, Stephens ran around the field celebrating the hit and continued to do so with teammates even after he was called for targeting and ejected.

"Desman's actions in last night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character," USC coach Lincoln Riley said in a statement Sunday. "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 also released a statement via the school apologizing for his actions and wishing Moore a speedy recovery.

"Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable," Stephens said. "Regardless of what was going through my mind at the time, there is no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical attention. I take full responsibility for my actions."

Moore, who was widely projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL draft before opting to return to Oregon for his senior year, came into the season as a preseason Heisman contender. In four games, Moore has 926 passing yards and nine touchdowns.

Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola entered the game for Moore on Saturday and helped the Ducks move to 3-1 on the season. Oregon now enters a bye week before hosting no. 23 UCLA at home on Oct. 10.