Oregon quarterback Dante Moore suffered a concussion during the Ducks' 41-27 win over USC on September 26, 2026, according to CBS Sports. The injury came on a late hit in the second quarter, and Moore was carted off the field and taken to Los Angeles General Medical Center. He is believed to have avoided any injury beyond the concussion. There is no firm timeline for his return, and he must clear concussion protocol before playing again.
The concussion resulted from a late hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens, who was ejected for targeting. CBS Sports reports that because the targeting occurred in the second quarter, Stephens could still play the first half of USC's next game against Washington on October 3. The play was reviewed by officials, and the ejection was part of the game's disciplinary response. Any additional Big Ten discipline for Stephens has not been specified in the reports.
After the hit, Moore was reported to have movement in his extremities, which Sports Illustrated described as encouraging news. Oregon coach Dan Lanning said postgame, "He's in recovery... he's moving; he has the ability to move," according to CBS Sports. Moore was taken to a hospital in Los Angeles and was wearing a neck brace when he was carted off. Those details come from the initial reports on the day of the game.
Concussion protocol is a step-by-step process that requires a player to be cleared by medical staff before returning to games. Moore must complete this protocol, and CBS Sports reports that no immediate timeline has been set for his return. The protocol is designed to protect players from returning too soon after a head injury. Until he is cleared, his availability for upcoming games remains uncertain.
Oregon entered a bye week after the USC game, giving Moore additional time before the next matchup. The Ducks' next game is October 10 against UCLA in Eugene, followed by a game against Nebraska on October 17, per Sports Illustrated. If Moore is not cleared in time for UCLA, the Nebraska game becomes the next possible return point. The bye week may help his recovery, but no official return date has been announced.
With Moore out, backup quarterback Dylan Raiola took over against USC and completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, according to OregonLive. Raiola's performance helped Oregon secure the 41-27 win. His role in the offense will continue if Moore remains unavailable. The reports do not indicate any change to the depth chart beyond Raiola stepping in during Moore's absence.
USC linebacker Desman Stephens was ejected for targeting on the play that injured Moore. Because the targeting happened in the second quarter, Stephens may still be allowed to play the first half of USC's game against Washington on October 3, based on CBS Sports reporting. The Big Ten could impose additional discipline, but the reports have not specified what that might be. The ejection itself was the immediate on-field consequence.
The hit by Stephens was flagged as targeting, which typically involves contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player. Moore was injured on that play and had to leave the game. Targeting rules are intended to reduce head and neck injuries, and an ejection is the standard penalty when targeting is confirmed. The reports do not provide further detail on the specific mechanics of the hit beyond it being late.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning addressed Moore's condition after the game, saying the quarterback was in recovery and able to move, as reported by CBS Sports. Lanning did not provide a timeline for Moore's return. His comments were limited to Moore's movement and recovery status. The coach's update came before any further medical evaluation was made public.
Reports that Moore had movement in his extremities indicate that he could move his arms and legs after the injury. Sports Illustrated described this as encouraging news. That kind of movement is often used as an initial sign that a serious neck or spinal injury is less likely, but it does not replace a full medical evaluation. The reports do not offer a diagnosis beyond the concussion.
Oregon's bye week falls between the USC game and the October 10 matchup with UCLA. A bye week gives players extra days without a game, which can be useful for recovery from injuries. For Moore, it means more time to be evaluated and to progress through concussion protocol. The reports do not say whether the bye week was planned with his recovery in mind or simply part of the schedule.
Oregon's next games are against UCLA on October 10 in Eugene and Nebraska on October 17, according to Sports Illustrated. Both games are potential return points for Moore if he clears protocol. The location of the UCLA game is Eugene, while the Nebraska game's location is not specified in the reports. The bye week precedes both, so Moore's status may become clearer as those dates approach.
Backup quarterbacks like Dylan Raiola must be ready to enter a game at any moment, and Raiola did so against USC. He completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns, per OregonLive. That level of preparation is part of a team's contingency planning for injuries. The reports do not describe how reps are divided in practice when a starter is injured.
Targeting rules in college football are designed to reduce hits to the head or neck area of defenseless players. When targeting is called, the player is ejected, and the penalty can include additional discipline. In Moore's case, the hit led to a concussion and Stephens' ejection. The rules are enforced by officials during the game and may be reviewed by the conference afterward.
A concussion is a brain injury that can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, or balance problems. CBS Sports reports that Moore is believed to have avoided further injury beyond the concussion. That distinction matters because other injuries, such as neck or spinal damage, would involve different treatment and recovery. The reports do not list any other diagnosed injuries for Moore.
Concussion protocol typically involves a series of steps, and a player must be cleared by medical staff before returning to play. Moore's availability for the UCLA and Nebraska games depends on whether he completes those steps in time. No firm date has been given for his return, per CBS Sports. The protocol is the same for all players and is not adjusted for star status or game importance.
CBS Sports reports that Moore is expected to return this season, though no timeline is set. That expectation is based on the belief that he avoided further injury beyond the concussion. The phrase "expected to return" is a projection, not a guarantee, and it depends on his progress through protocol. The reports do not specify a target game for his return.
With Moore out, Oregon's offense was led by Dylan Raiola, who threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns against USC. That production helped the Ducks win 41-27. If Moore misses more time, Raiola would likely continue to run the offense. The reports do not indicate any other changes to the offensive lineup due to Moore's injury.
If Moore is not cleared in time for the UCLA game on October 10, the next opportunity would be against Nebraska on October 17, according to Sports Illustrated. There is no announced deadline for his clearance, and the decision will be made by medical staff. The bye week gives him additional days to recover before either game. The reports do not say whether he is expected to miss one or both games.
The sources cited in the reports include CBS Sports, CNN, Sports Illustrated, and OregonLive. Those outlets are covering Moore's recovery and any changes to his status. Updates may come from Oregon's athletic department, coach Dan Lanning, or the Big Ten regarding Stephens' discipline. The reports gathered today do not include any newer information beyond what is summarized here.
