Dante Moore Injury Update Brings Encouraging News After Oregon’s Win Over USC

LOS ANGELES - Oregon quarterback Dante Moore lay motionless on the turf at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as medical staff sprinted toward him and an ambulance drove down to the field. For a few frightening moments, the concern was much bigger than the outcome of Saturday’s game against USC.

The scary scene has just gotten a very positive update.

Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning reacts as quarterback Dante Moore (5) lies on the field with an apparent injury after being tackled by USC Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (not pictured) during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Stephens II was charged with targeting on the play. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore Injury Update

Moore suffered a concussion against the Trojans on Saturday night, confirmed by coach Dan Lanning on Sunday in a statement:

"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. 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," said Lanning.

"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," said Lanning.

A look at the Ducks schedule... Oregon is on its bye week and its next game will come in Eugene on Oct. 10 vs. the undefeated UCLA Bruins. If Moore does not clear concussion protocol by then, the Ducks' next game is Oct. 17 vs. the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Autzen Stadium.

The injury update provides some relief. The concern for Moore went beyond whether Oregon would have its starting quarterback for the next game. For those watching, the immediate question was whether he was OK.

Sep 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looks on before a game against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Oregon Beats USC "For Dante Moore"

Oregon beat USC 41–27 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday evening. The Trojans have now lost five straight in the rivalry, last beating the Ducks in 2016.

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Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola took command of the offense as Moore was in the hopsital. He completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. It was his first meaningful test as a Duck, and a strong answer when Oregon needed him most.

Raiola immediately took control. The game started back up 30 seconds after Moore left in an ambulance, leaving little room to regain composure. On his very first play, Raiola connected with wide receiver Evan Stewart for a 3-yard reception that put the Ducks up 10-7. After scoring, Raiola and Stewart raised their hands to flash a five in honor of Dante Moore.

Raiola started his postgame press conference by honoring Moore.

"I just want to say for my brother, Five, seeing him like that shook the whole team. But at the same time, we knew that that was our brother, and we was going to fight for him. And I just want to say this for Five, love you, brother, and get better. We'll hold it down for you," Raiola said.

Oregon QB Dylan Raiola starts his press conference with heartfelt comments on Dante Moore. Cool moment. #goducks https://t.co/iUsUvth94Z pic.twitter.com/ZOhN6Cucwj
— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) September 27, 2026

Oregon finished with 504 yards of offense and scored touchdowns on four second-half possessions. Dierre Hill Jr. rushed for two scores and added 105 receiving yards, while Jamari Johnson led the Ducks with 119 yards on seven catches.

Notably, Oregon scored on every red-zone trip. The Ducks went 6-for-6, with four touchdowns and two field goals, while converting both fourth-down attempts.

Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore is carted from the field, directly to the ambulance at L.A. Memorial Coliseum. https://t.co/tELzRi0PlF pic.twitter.com/wJR5GckfiX
— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) September 27, 2026

The heated rivalry hit a boiling point on Saturday when Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II lowered his shoulder into Oregon quarterback Dante Moore while sliding during the second quarter. Moore laid motionless on the field and was carted directly to an ambulance where he was taken to LA General County Hospital for further evaluation. Stephens II was called for targeting.

Lanning made his feelings clear on the hit.

"It's a disgusting play. You don't want to see it happen. It's disappointing that it happened. I'm praying that our player's healthy, and I'm praying that their player can learn from that situation, because that's not a moment youwant to be a part of," Lanning said.

“Disgusting play.”

-Oregon coach Dan Lanning on Dante Moore targeting play

Said USC coach Lincoln Riley was quick to ask about Moore. https://t.co/iUsUvth94Z pic.twitter.com/AbdSIBxPF4
— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) September 27, 2026

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