Oregon head coach Dan Lanning shared an initial health update on quarterback Dante Moore after the star player suffered a severe head injury during Saturday night’s 41-27 victory against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The incident occurred with just over 10 minutes remaining in the second quarter. As Moore scrambled and slid on the turf, USC defender Desman Stephens II delivered a late hit with his forearm to Moore’s head. The blow caused Moore to hit the ground hard, leaving him motionless and twitching briefly as medical personnel rushed to his aid.
The play immediately sparked a heated confrontation between players from both teams, resulting in a targeting penalty against Stephens and offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. Stephens was ejected from the game. Moore remained on the field for an extended period, surrounded by his kneeling teammates in prayer, before being placed on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance.
Broadcast footage showed Moore moving his fingers, hands, and feet as he was carted off the field. He was transported directly to Los Angeles General Medical Center for evaluation.
Speaking to reporters immediately following the contest, Lanning offered a cautious update regarding his quarterback’s condition.
“He’s in recovery, so I don’t want to speak too soon, but he’s moving, he has the ability to move,” Lanning said. “So, we’ll continue to assess him, but I don’t want to speak too soon, but he’s moving.”
Lanning noted that he had not yet spoken directly with Moore following the player’s arrival at the hospital and remained uncertain whether Moore would travel back to Eugene with the team or stay in Los Angeles for further observation.
Following Moore’s departure, backup quarterback Dylan Raiola stepped in to guide the Ducks to victory. Raiola finished the night completing 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, securing the 41-27 win for No. 20 Oregon as the team heads into a bye week.
Further updates on Moore’s status are expected as medical evaluations continue.
