USC falls to Oregon 41-27 as defensive woes and a controversial hit dominate game
USC lost to No. 20 Oregon at the Coliseum, dropping its record and extending its recent struggles, while a hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore sparked a post-game dispute.
The University of Southern California football team was defeated by No. 20 Oregon 41-27 on Saturday at the Los Angeles Coliseum, marking its first home loss since 2024 and its fifth consecutive defeat to the Ducks. USC linebacker Desman Stephens II delivered a hard hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore early in the second quarter, an action described by Oregon coach Dan Lanning as "disgusting" and that led to a brief on-field altercation. Moore was taken to a hospital and did not return, prompting backup quarterback Dylan Raiola to assume the role and throw for 289 yards and two touchdowns.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley, who entered the season with high expectations, said after the game, "We have a damn good football team," while also noting he did not see Stephens celebrating the hit. The Trojans struggled offensively, managing only 3.6 yards per carry and missing a short field-goal attempt by Caden Chittenden. Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 23 of 42 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns, but turnovers and penalties, including a roughing-the-passer call on defensive tackle Jide Abasiri, hampered the effort.
Oregon’s defense allowed 504 yards, the third-most the Ducks have given up in three seasons, yet the team capitalized on key moments, scoring on six of its last seven drives. The loss leaves USC facing a challenging Big Ten schedule ahead, with the program still seeking to translate offseason optimism into on-field results.