Oregon QB Moore taken off by ambulance after targeting by USC

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  Paolo UggettiSep 26, 2026, 08:42 PM ET

LOS ANGELES -- Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was carted off the field and taken by an ambulance during the second quarter of Saturday's game at USC.

On a first-down play in the Trojans' territory, Moore scrambled up the field before attempting to slide. As he was headed toward the ground he was hit hard by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II.

Moore remained on the ground while a fight between both teams broke out at midfield. Coaches had to separate several players. Stephens was called for targeting and disqualified and both teams were given unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

After being attended to by the training staff for an extended period of time while still laying on the field, Moore was put on a stretcher and placed on a cart. He was then driven off the field and moved onto another gurney before being put into an ambulance near the tunnel leading onto the field.

Moore, who opted to return to Oregon after a stellar junior season, had thrown for 849 yards and nine touchdowns leading into this game.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola, who transferred to Oregon from Nebraska, came into the game for Moore. Raiola threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Evan Stewart on his first attempt of the game.