Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to a Los Angeles hospital after a violent hit during Saturday's game against USC, though his Ducks rallied behind backup Dylan Raiola for a 41-27 victory over the Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
A Scary Moment in the Second Quarter
With 10:05 remaining in the second quarter, Moore was attempting to slide after a long scramble when USC linebacker Desman Stephens II struck him in the head and chest area with his shoulder. The contact slammed Moore's head into the turf, and he remained down on the field for an extended period as teammates gathered around him.
Medical staff removed Moore's helmet, placed a neck brace on him, and loaded him onto a stretcher before he was carted toward a waiting ambulance. The hit also sparked a heated confrontation between both teams before officials restored order, and Stephens was ejected from the game after the play was confirmed as targeting.
Coach Lanning's Reaction
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning did not hide his anger over the play, calling it a "disgusting play" afterward. He described how the moment affected everyone on the sideline, noting that emotions ran high among his players and staff as they watched their quarterback go down.
During a halftime radio interview, Lanning said the team was still gathering information on Moore's condition, adding that they needed to be thorough given the nature of the hit and that the entire program was praying for him. A team spokesperson later confirmed Moore had movement in all of his extremities and was being evaluated at Los Angeles General County Hospital, located a few miles from the Coliseum.
Raiola Steps Up in Relief
With Moore gone, Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola entered the game facing a first-and-goal situation after the targeting penalty moved the ball closer to the end zone. He needed only two snaps to make an impact, connecting with receiver Evan Stewart for a short touchdown that put Oregon ahead in an emotional shift of momentum.
Raiola went on to finish the night having thrown for 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards, guiding Oregon through the rest of the contest as the Ducks pulled away for the 41-27 win. Reflecting on the scene after Moore left the field, Raiola said the sight had shaken the entire team but that everyone understood they were fighting for a teammate.
Cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. echoed that sentiment, describing how the incident brought an already close-knit roster even tighter while they tried to channel controlled aggression rather than retaliation.
What Comes Next
Lanning later provided a brief update on Moore's status following the win, saying the quarterback had shown the ability to move but that the team was not ready to speculate further while doctors continued their assessment. No additional details on the severity of the injury or a timeline for Moore's return had been confirmed as of Sunday morning.
The victory keeps Oregon's season on track, but the lasting image from the night will be the emotional scene of Moore being wheeled off the field in a neck brace, and the composure his teammates showed in responding with one of the most memorable wins of the year.