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USC suspends Desman Stephens II, apologizes after late hit on Oregon’s Dante Moore
On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the University of Southern California suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game following his dangerous late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during Saturday's contest.
During Saturday's second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Stephens delivered a late hit to the sliding Moore, resulting in a targeting penalty and the quarterback's subsequent hospitalization.
Following the hit, Moore was taken to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where he reportedly maintained movement in his extremities, while Stephens' subsequent on-field celebration sparked widespread criticism across social media.
Stephens issued an apology taking "full responsibility" for his behavior as USC coach Lincoln Riley announced the suspension Sunday, labeling the linebacker's actions "unacceptable."
While Stephens will miss USC's game against Washington on October 3, CBS Sports reported Sunday that Moore sustained a concussion and is not believed to have suffered additional injuries.