USC suspends LB Stephens for one game after hit on Oregon QB Moore
USC has suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following a late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in Saturday night’s 41-27 loss.
Source: ESPN Top · September 27, 2026 at 8:18 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceWASHINGTON, 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
USC has suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following a late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in Saturday night’s 41-27 loss.
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The incident occurred in the second quarter when Moore scrambled before Stephens delivered a hard hit that sent Moore’s head into the ground. Medical staff attended to Moore for an extended period while Stephens celebrated with teammates, drawing a targeting penalty and ejection. Stephens later returned to the sideline, prompting USC coach Lincoln Riley to clarify that he remained on the team.
Riley called Stephens’ actions “unacceptable” in a statement Sunday, adding that the player had accepted the suspension and apologized. “The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery,” Riley said, while Stephens issued a separate apology, calling his reaction “completely inappropriate and inexcusable.”
Moore was stretchered off the field to Los Angeles General County Hospital, where he was evaluated for potential injuries. Oregon coach Dan Lanning condemned the hit as “disgusting,” though he deferred further discipline to the Big Ten or USC. Stephens will miss USC’s Oct. 3 home game against Washington.
The suspension follows widespread criticism from Oregon players, who described the hit as a “dirty play.” Riley emphasized that Stephens’ actions did not reflect USC’s values, while the program expressed hope for Moore’s recovery.