Overview
- During the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 26, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II hit Dante Moore in the head as Moore was sliding; officials called targeting and immediately ejected Stephens.
- Moore remained down for several minutes with an apparent involuntary posture, was secured to a backboard, loaded into an ambulance and taken to Los Angeles General Hospital while broadcasters reported movement in his arms and legs.
- Backup quarterback Dylan Raiola replaced Moore on the same drive, threw a touchdown within plays and finished the night leading Oregon to a 41-27 victory over No. 12 USC.
- Video of the play and of Stephens’ sideline reaction drew widespread criticism and a heated on-field confrontation that produced offsetting unsportsmanlike penalties.
- Under the NCAA’s 2026 targeting policy a first-season targeting ejection does not automatically mean a suspension, so any further discipline will depend on review and the official medical update Oregon provides next.