No. 20 Oregon delivered a resilient performance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 26, 2026, defeating No. 12 USC 41-27 despite losing starting quarterback Dante Moore to a frightening injury during the second quarter.
The pivotal moment occurred early in the second quarter as Moore scrambled toward the USC 7-yard line. As Moore attempted to slide, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II delivered a heavy late hit that slammed the quarterback’s head into the turf. The dangerous play sparked an intense on-field scuffle between both teams and led to Stephens’ immediate ejection for targeting.
Medical personnel attended to Moore on the field for several minutes before placing him on a stretcher. He was carted off and taken by ambulance to Los Angeles General County Hospital for thorough evaluations. Oregon team officials later provided a positive update, confirming that Moore retained movement in all of his extremities. Before leaving the game, Moore had completed 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards.
Dylan Raiola Guides Second-Half Surge
Entering the game in a high-pressure situation, backup quarterback Dylan Raiola immediately made his presence felt. On his second play under center, Raiola connected with wide receiver Evan Stewart for a 3-yard touchdown pass to capitalize on the drive.
Raiola proved instrumental in maintaining Oregon’s offensive momentum, leading the Ducks to outscore the Trojans 28-17 across the second half. He finished the game passing for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
Game Summary and Key Stat Highlights
Oregon’s offense found success through both the air and on the ground, wearing down the Trojans in the second half. Running back Dierre Hill Jr. delivered multiple explosive plays, including a pair of rushing touchdowns and a 62-yard catch-and-run on a screen pass. In the fourth quarter, Raiola hit Dakorien Moore on a 29-yard touchdown pass, followed by a late 2-yard touchdown run from Jordon Davison to seal the victory.
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava kept the Trojans competitive, scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown and connecting with Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Tanook Hines for passing scores. However, USC’s comeback effort fell short after failing to convert a critical fourth down inside the final minutes.
Key Player Performances
- Dylan Raiola (Oregon): Passed for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns in relief.
- Dante Moore (Oregon): Completed 8 of 10 passes for 77 yards prior to injury.
- Dierre Hill Jr. (Oregon): Scored 2 rushing touchdowns with key big-play screen receptions.
- Jayden Maiava (USC): Threw 2 touchdown passes and scored 1 rushing touchdown.
With the 41-27 victory, Oregon improved to 3-1 on the season, while USC suffered its first setback of the year.
