Watch: Oregon QB Dante Moore’s injury after a late hit by Desman Stephens during game against the Trojans triggers a brawl-like situation; video inside

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was rushed off the field on a stretcher after he sustained a hard hit from Southern California linebacker Desman Stephens on Saturday (September 26, 2026) during the game against the Trojans inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The incident took place during the second quarter when Moore scrambled on a play and initiated a slide to complete an 11-yard run to the USC 12, where Stephens came in low and hit him in the head and chest with his shoulder.

Following the hard blow to the head by the Southern California linebacker, Moore’s head snapped back and struck the turf hard, triggering chaos as his teammates immediately went after Stephens in a prolonged scuffle.

Videos of the incident surfaced on social media showing a brawl-like situation on the field as Oregon players were quick to confront USC defenders after the incident. Amid the chaos, officials and coaches sprang into action to regain control of the field. A targeting penalty was called against linebacker Stephens, and he was disqualified. Both teams were enforced unsportsmanlike conduct penalties due to the altercation.





The No. 20 Ducks’ Big Ten opener against the 12th-ranked Trojans was delayed for about 15 minutes while Moore was cautiously treated and removed from the field on a cart, as reported by news agency AP. His teammates gathered around the cart to offer condolences and support before it was driven a few feet to a waiting ambulance at the base of the Coliseum tunnel.

Dante Moore injury update

Moore was seen moving both of his hands and feet and also rotated his arms while strapped to the stretcher before being loaded into the ambulance, according to AP and the NBC broadcast. He was under evaluation in Los Angeles General Hospital at the time of filing of this report. Stephens was ejected for targeting, and he went to the Trojans' locker room. Dylan Raiola replaced Moore, and the veteran threw a touchdown pass to Evan Stewart on his second snap to put the Ducks ahead 10-7.


Also Read: Watch: Oregon QB Dante Moore’s head smashes hard onto turf after a late hit, carted off the field in a viral video; check injury update