The USC Trojans suspended linebacker Desman Stephens for one game for his dangerous late hit on Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore on Saturday.
The hit came in the second quarter of the Ducks’ 41-20 victory over the Trojans. Moore was scrambling and was clearly going to slide after getting more than enough yardage for a first down. Stephens came in late and went directly for Moore’s head.
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Quarterback Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks runs with the football and slides to avoid a tackle from linebacker Desman Stephens II of the USC Trojans during a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif. (ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Stephens was pushed by Moore’s teammates and began to celebrate the hit in the immediate aftermath of the collision. The junior was ejected from the game for targeting. Moore was stretchered off the field.
USC announced Stephens’ suspension on Sunday.
“Desman’s actions in last night’s game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC Football nor of his personal character,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley said in a statement. “He understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this.
“The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and we send our best regards to him and his family.”
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Oregon head coach Dan Lanning stands over quarterback Dante Moore as he is attended to after a hard tackle by linebacker Desman Stephens II during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Stephens said he regretted his actions.
“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions during yesterday’s game,” he said. “Seeing a player injured like that is incredibly serious, and my reaction in the moments afterward was completely inappropriate and inexcusable. Regardless of what was going through my mind at the time, there is no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical attention.
“I take full responsibility for my actions. That is not the person or teammate I want to be, and I will learn from this. I am deeply sorry to Dante, his family and everyone who saw my reaction. It is not representative of USC or our program. I hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.”
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning called the hit “disgusting.”
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart checks on quarterback Dante Moore as he is carted off the field after a hard tackle by linebacker Desman Stephens II during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Stephens will miss the team’s game against Washington this coming Saturday.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.