Oregon senior quarterback Dante Moore announced on Instagram that he is recovering from a concussion suffered Saturday against Southern California and expects to return to action soon. In his post, Moore expressed gratitude to his teammates, the community, and to God, citing Jeremiah 29:11 as a source of hope.
In‑game incident
During the second quarter, Moore scrambled for a gain before being hit hard on the head by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II. The impact forced Moore to the turf, and he remained on the field for an extended period before being stretchered to a hospital for evaluation.
CT scans and an MRI confirmed a concussion but revealed no additional injuries, according to Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, who announced the findings on Sunday. The officiating crew assessed a targeting penalty on Stephens and ejected him from the game. Oregon went on to defeat the Trojans 41‑27.
Coaches’ reactions
Coach Lanning called the hit “a disgusting play” and said, “We don’t want to see it happen. It’s disappointing that it happened. I’m praying that our player’s healthy, and I’m praying that their player can learn from that situation.” He added that each concussion is unique and the staff will proceed with “an abundance of caution” to protect Moore’s health and future.
USC coach Lincoln Riley announced a day later that Stephens would be suspended for the upcoming game against Washington, underscoring the seriousness with which both programs view player safety.
Moore’s season to date
Through four games this season, Moore has completed 69 of 99 passes for 926 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions. Last season (2025‑26), he posted a 71.8% completion rate, throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, leading the Ducks to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
When Moore was sidelined, Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola stepped in, completing eight of ten attempts for 77 yards against the Trojans.
Upcoming schedule
The Ducks, currently ranked 15th with a 3‑1 record, have a bye week before hosting 23rd‑ranked UCLA (4‑0) on Oct. 10. Fans and the university community are eager to see Moore back under center as the Ducks continue their push for a conference title.
Faith and community support
Moore’s Instagram message highlighted the role of prayer and faith in his recovery, writing, “Through all of your prayers I have made progress… I’ll be back soon. Go Ducks!” The statement resonated with many Oregon supporters who shared messages of encouragement.
Coach Lanning reiterated the program’s commitment to player safety and emphasized that the team will continue to prioritize health while striving for competitive success.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
