Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore Knocked Unconscious Following Brutal Hit on Slide

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, a potential first overall pick in the 2027 NFL draft, sustained a severe head injury after a brutal collision during a slide against USC on Saturday, leaving him appearing unconscious on the field.

Moore gained 10 yards on second-and-9 during the second quarter before executing a feet-first slide. As his knee contacted the turf, USC defensive end Desmond Stephens drove his shoulder into Moore’s head, driving the back of Moore’s skull into the ground. The impact immediately triggered the fencing response, a physiological indicator frequently associated with severe traumatic brain injuries.

Moore remained on the field for several minutes before being stabilized on a stretcher and transported via ambulance. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, he was observed moving his extremities.

Stephens was flagged for targeting and subsequently ejected from the contest. The severity of the play nearly incited a confrontation, prompting several Oregon players to rush toward Stephens while sideline personnel from both teams began to disperse, though officials and coaching staff successfully de-escalated the situation before it spiraled out of control.

As one of the most gifted quarterbacks in college football, Moore was widely projected to be a first-round selection this year had he opted to enter the draft. Instead, he chose to return to Oregon for another season, meaning the immediate priority now encompasses both his physical well-being and his long-term football aspirations.

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