Oregon QB Moore Suffered Concussion

(News4usonline.com) – The vicious hit by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was seen by a lot of people. So was all the prancing he was doing afterward in celebrating his big moment. 

It wasn’t a good look for Stephens, the USC football program or the university. 

“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday’s game,” Stephens said in a letter of apology issued by USC. “Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable. Regardless of what was going through my mind at the time, there is no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical attention.”

Los Angeles, CA – USC linebacker Desman Stephens II (18) levels Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) with a hit in the first quarter of a Big Ten Conference football game played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 26, 2026. Stephens was ejected from the game after being flagged for targeting. Moore was carted off the field and taken to a local Los Angeles hospital. Oregon defeated USC, 41-27. Photo credit: Sammy Saludo/News4usonline

Watching that particular play makes you cringe as a sliding and defenseless Moore took a brutal blow to the head by Stephens, who appeared to be coming full-throttle for the Ducks’ signal-caller during a highly-anticipated Big Ten Conference football matchup played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 

With their starting quarterback knocked out of the game, the Ducks would rally to defeat the Trojans, 41-27. However, the impact of Stephens’ hit on Moore lingered on both teams.  

“When Dante got hurt, you had a lot of guys on the sideline that were emotional at that moment, including myself,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said after the game. “And right now, he’s in recovery, so I don’t want to speak too soon. But he is moving and has the ability to move.

“We’re going to continue to assess him, but I don’t want to make any speculation or further thoughts on that until we have more information on him. But I’ll say these guys went out and played for him. Played for No. 5.”

Moore came into the game as one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the nation and has been mentioned as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate, an honor given to the best player in all of college football. 

Moore laid motionless for a while after the hit and was eventually escorted from the game to a local Los Angeles hospital by ambulance. The ugliness of replays showing the hit over and over again drew swift backlash and condemnation.   

“Credit to Lincoln Riley; he asked about Dante after the game,” Lanning went on to say. “I don’t think that’s anything he coached, but there’s a reason targeting exists in football, and that’s as clear as day targeting. It’s a shame that happened to a good player when, in my mind, that certainly could have been avoided. It’s disappointing that would happen.”

Apparently, USC head coach Lincoln Riley found the incident to be disappointing as well. A day after the high-profile incident, Riley issued a statement declaring that Stephens will receive punishment in the form of a one-game suspension. 

He will not play in the Trojans’ home game against Washington.     

“Desman’s actions in last night’s game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character,” Riley’s statement read. “He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family.”

The road to recovery for Moore has begun. Lanning put out a statement that Moore suffered a concussion on the hard-hitting play delivered by Stephens, but the medical exams he underwent came out okay. 

“Dante sustained a concussion in last night’s game, but fortunately his MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries,” the statement read. “Every concussion is different and we are going to move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure we make the best decisions for Dante and his future.”

For Stephens, his immediate future includes that one game suspension. However, the fallout could result in a steeper penalty being meted out by the Big Ten Conference.  

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Stephens remarked. “That is not the person or teammate I want to be, and I will learn from this. I am deeply sorry to Dante, his family and everyone who saw my reaction. It is not representative of USC or our program. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.” 

Los Angeles, CA – Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) looks to complete a pass against the USC defense during a Big Ten Conference football game played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 26, 2026. Oregon defeated USC, 41-27. Photo credit: Sammy Saludo/News4usonline