Top NFL Prospect Dante Moore Injured in Oregon-USC Game, Taken to Hospital
USC's Desman Stephens II was ejected for targeting on a hit that knocked Oregon quarterback Dante Moore out of the game and required him to be taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, considered a top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft, was knocked unconscious and taken to a hospital via ambulance during Saturday's game against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The incident occurred in the second quarter as Moore scrambled for a first down. As he slid at the 12-yard line, he was hit forcefully in the head by USC's Desman Stephens II. Moore appeared to exhibit a fencing response, with his arms flexing unnaturally.
The hit sparked a brawl between players from both teams, with Oregon coaches and players reacting strongly to the play. Stephens II was later ejected for targeting, a call that NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay supported, stating that Moore was defenseless and the contact to the head and neck area was clear targeting.
Both teams also received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties following the altercation. Moore received extensive medical treatment on the field before being loaded into an ambulance. His teammates gathered to pray for him as he was transported.
Moore had opted to return to school for his junior year after being projected as a high NFL Draft pick. Despite a mixed start to the season, NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has maintained that Moore is still on track to be a top-five pick, emphasizing his poise, maturity, and smarts.
Dylan Raiola, a former Nebraska transfer, replaced Moore at quarterback for Oregon. He capped off the drive Moore had orchestrated before his injury with a three-yard touchdown pass. The Trojans were leading 10-3 at the time of the incident.