Oregon’s matchup with USC took a grim turn early in the second quarter when quarterback Dante Moore was taken down on a slide and left motionless on the field after a hit from Desman Stephens II.
Moore had just escaped the rush and picked up a first down when Stephens II came in with a hit while the quarterback was clearly sliding. After the play, USC players were seen celebrating, including Stephens II, who was smiling and high-fiving teammates while Moore stayed down and medical staff attended to him.
Moore remained on the ground for an extended stretch before being carted off the field and into an ambulance on the field. According to the NBC broadcast, he was taken to LA General Hospital for further evaluation.
Before leaving, Moore had completed 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards and added 10 rushing yards.
The injury hits hard for Oregon because Moore had passed up what could have been the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and returned to school with the goal of leading the Ducks to a National Championship.
That makes Oregon’s decision to bring in Dylan Raiola this offseason look especially significant. The Ducks did not need to add a quarterback through the Transfer Portal, but they did anyway by landing the former Nebraska starter. Raiola came in with plenty of attention and criticism, but now he may be needed immediately.
With Moore’s status uncertain, Raiola steps into a huge spot for a team trying to keep its championship hopes alive. He is not walking into the moment cold, either; the source notes he has played in big games before and should not be overwhelmed by the stage.
USC’s hit only added more urgency to the night for Oregon, and Raiola showed support for Moore after throwing a touchdown on his second snap, flashing a 5 toward the sideline.
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