A USC linebacker was ejected for a targeting hit that sent Oregon QB Dante Moore to hospital, but new rules mean no automatic ban. Should a first targeting foul cost a game?
Since 2026, a first targeting foul in US college football means ejection only, with no carry-over suspension. Desman Stephens had no earlier targeting disqualification this season, though the Big Ten could still act under its sportsmanship policy.
What happened
On 26 September, USC linebacker Desman Stephens II hit Oregon quarterback Dante Moore as he slid at the end of a run, making contact with his head. Stephens was ejected for targeting. Moore was taken to Los Angeles General hospital by ambulance; coach Dan Lanning said he had the ability to move and was still being assessed. Oregon won 41-27. Under 2026 NCAA rules, a first targeting foul no longer carries a suspension into the next game, so Stephens is not automatically banned.
Why people disagree
Supporters of tougher penalties say an ejection with no knock-on ban does little to deter hits to the head on defenceless players, when the injured player may be out far longer. Others argue targeting calls are split-second judgements, that Moore slid late, and that the NCAA eased the rule on purpose to avoid over-punishing marginal calls, leaving leagues free to add discipline in serious cases.
What's still unclear
The extent of Moore's injury has not been announced. It is unclear whether the Big Ten will add a suspension, and whether the NCAA will revisit its 2026 change to the targeting rule.
Sources
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