Oregon quarterback Dante Moore made his first public statement since suffering a concussion from a hit to the head during Saturday's 41-27 win over USC.
"To my team, the community, and to the world, thank you. These past two days have been very difficult, but through all of your prayers, I have made progress," Moore wrote alongside a photo posted on Instagram.
He added, "I can only worry about today and making sure I give today its full attention. I'll be back soon. Go Ducks!"
Moore was diagnosed with a concussion, though an MRI and CT scan revealed no additional injuries. Oregon said in a statement that it will be cautious with him and a potential timeline for his return is currently unknown.
The 21-year-old suffered the injury when USC linebacker Desman Stephens led with his shoulder to tackle Moore as the signal-caller slid to complete an 11-yard scramble. Moore's head hit the field hard, and he laid motionless as a scrum ensued between the two teams.
A scary moment as Oregon QB Dante Moore is knocked out by a USC defender. pic.twitter.com/ZV7Rl8lTZv
— Underdog CFB (@UnderdogCFB) September 27, 2026
Moore left the game in an ambulance moments later and was escorted to Los Angeles General Medical Center. After the play, Stephens was seen celebrating with teammates before being disqualified for targeting.
USC suspended Stephens for one game Sunday and released a statement condemning his actions.
"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 team said.
Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola entered the game in relief of Moore and led Oregon to victory. He completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two scores, including a 29-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to take the lead. Among 126 qualifying FBS quarterbacks in Week 4, Raiola's 0.94 EPA per dropback ranked second, according to TruMedia.
Moore has been Oregon's primary starter since the beginning of the 2025 season and is projected to be one of the first signal-callers selected in the 2027 draft. He has 6,160 passing yards with 50 touchdowns and 19 interceptions across 33 career games.
