Oregon QB Dante Moore leaves USC game in ambulance after hit to head

The heated rivalry between Oregon and USC just got turned up a few notches.

With Ducks quarterback Dante Moore running past the USC 15-yard line in the second quarter Saturday, he was trying to give himself up with a slide.

But he took a forearm to the head from Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II, setting off a chaotic scene on the Coliseum field.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore dons his helmet as the Oregon Ducks face the USC Trojans on Sept. 26, 2026, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

As Moore lay motionless, there was plenty of jawing and some shoving between the teams on the field, with assistant coaches getting in the middle of a heated scrum. Making matters worse, Stephens was seen gloating after the play on the sideline with his teammates.

USC Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (8) tackles Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson (9) during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, Sept. 26, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Stephens was called for targeting, leading to his ejection with the Trojans holding a 7-3 lead. Both teams were flagged for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.

After a lengthy delay, Moore was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field and placed into an ambulance amid applause.

That brought backup Dylan Raiola into the game – the same quarterback whose season ended last season at Nebraska when he suffered a right ankle injury while playing against the Trojans.

Moore finished his day completing eight of 10 passes for 77 yards.

Raiola completed his first pass for a 3-yard touchdown to give the Ducks a 10-7 lead.

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