OREGON QUARTERBACK DANTE MOORE CARTED OFF AFTER HEAD HIT

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was taken from the field by ambulance after a hit to the head during a game against USC, according to reports. Moore, regarded as a leading prospect for the 2027 NFL draft, slid feet-first after running for ten yards in the second quarter. As his knee touched the ground, USC's Desmond Stephens drove his shoulder into the back of Moore's head, driving it into the turf, reports said. Moore appeared to lose consciousness and showed what was described as a fencing response, a reflex linked to serious head trauma. He was placed on a stretcher and carted off, though he was seen moving his hands and feet.

Stephens was flagged for targeting, a college football rule that carries an automatic ejection, and was sent off, reports said. His removal nearly triggered a brawl, as Oregon players confronted him and others from both teams left their sidelines before officials restored order. Moore had been expected to be a first-round pick had he entered this year's NFL draft but chose to return to Oregon for a further season, reports noted. Reports agreed the collision occurred in the second quarter of the match.

Attention after the game turned to Moore's health as much as his footballing future, given his standing as one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, reports said. No update on his condition had been confirmed at the time of writing. Under college football rules, a targeting ejection is automatic and cannot be appealed, meaning Stephens took no further part in the match. Oregon and USC had not confirmed further details of Moore's injury or a timetable for his return, according to reports.