Overview
- Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II was penalized for targeting and ejected after a late, high‑impact hit to Oregon quarterback Dante Moore as Moore slid on a scramble.
- Medical staff tended to Moore on the field for several minutes before he was strapped to a stretcher, taken by cart to a waiting ambulance and transported to L.A. General Medical Center; broadcasters and coaches said he was moving his arms and legs while being moved.
- The collision sparked a near‑melee between the teams and offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, deepening criticism of the hit and visible sideline behavior captured on video.
- Backup Dylan Raiola replaced Moore two plays later, threw a touchdown on his first drive and led Oregon to a road victory, keeping the Ducks competitive while Moore is evaluated.
- Under the NCAA’s 2026 progressive targeting policy, Stephens’ ejection removes him from the game but does not automatically trigger a suspension for the next contest, and Oregon must now wait for an official medical diagnosis to assess the injury’s effect on Moore’s season and draft outlook.