Full Breakdown
Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore’s Concussion After Targeting Hit by USC Linebacker
By Drooid · · How we work
The Hit and Immediate Aftermath
On September 26, 2026, during the second quarter of the Oregon-USC rivalry at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Oregon senior quarterback Dante Moore scrambled toward a first-down and began to slide. USC linebacker Desman Stephens II dove low and struck Moore’s head and chest with his forearm. The impact snapped Moore’s head back onto the turf, and he remained motionless for several minutes while medical staff attended to him. Officials flagged Stephens for targeting and ejected him. Moore was placed on a stretcher, loaded onto an ambulance, and taken to a local hospital. Broadcast footage showed Moore moving his fingers and feet while being carted off.
Background & Context
The 2026 season introduced a revised targeting rule: a first targeting foul results in ejection but does not automatically carry over a suspension. USC imposed a one-game suspension on Stephens, citing his conduct after the hit. The incident occurred in a long-standing rivalry in which Oregon now leads the series, adding emotional intensity to the clash.
Data & Statistics
- Dante Moore (pre-injury) – 8-of-10 passes for 77 yards; season totals after three games: 926 yards, nine touchdowns, 69.7 % completion.
- Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola – 19-of-25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns in relief.
- Desman Stephens II – 19 tackles and 0.5 sacks for USC in 2026 to date.
- Game result – Oregon defeated USC 41–27, improving to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten.
Official Statements & Responses
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning confirmed Moore sustained a concussion, noting clean MRI and CT scans and emphasizing a cautious approach to protocol.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley expressed regret for Moore’s condition, calling the hit “disgusting” and confirming Stephens’ one-game suspension.
USC’s athletic department released an apology from Stephens, acknowledging his celebration while a teammate received medical attention was “inappropriate and inexcusable.”
Criticism & Opposition
The hit drew sharp criticism from Oregon staff and players. Lanning said, “There’s a reason targeting exists in football.” Several Ducks called the contact “dirty” and condemned Stephens’ post-play celebration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday’s game,” — Desman Stephens
- “He's in recovery, so I'm not going to speak too soon. But he is moving,” — Dan Lanning
- “We had all the momentum in the world,” — Lincoln Riley
What’s Next
Oregon entered a bye week, giving Moore time to complete concussion protocol before hosting UCLA. USC will play its next game without Stephens. Both programs will assess the incident’s impact on player-safety discussions and future disciplinary actions.