USC Linebacker Desman Stephens Suspended for One Game Following Late Hit
Southern California (USC) has suspended linebacker Desman Stephens for one game following a dangerous late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and his celebration.
Charlotte, NC, September 27, 2026 —
USC linebacker Desman Stephens has been suspended for one game, the university announced. The disciplinary action follows a dangerous late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore during a recent game.
The incident occurred when Stephens delivered a hit on Moore after the ball had been thrown. Reports indicate the hit was deemed dangerous and late by officials and the USC athletic department.
Following the play, Stephens was also observed celebrating the hit, an action that further contributed to the disciplinary review. The exact date of the game in which the incident occurred was not specified in the provided information.
The suspension means Stephens will miss the upcoming game. The specific opponent and date of the game he will miss were not provided.
The university has not released further details regarding the internal review process that led to the suspension. The penalty is a standard measure for certain types of fouls in collegiate football, intended to deter unsafe play and maintain player safety.
Dante Moore, the Oregon quarterback who was the target of the hit, was not reported to have sustained any significant injuries as a direct result of the play. Further medical updates on Moore were not provided.
Desman Stephens has been a member of the USC Trojans football team. Information regarding his previous disciplinary record or performance statistics was not immediately available.
The suspension serves as a reminder of the rules and regulations in place to protect athletes in collegiate sports, particularly concerning dangerous plays and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Story summarized from the original created by GREG BEACHAM and ANNE M. PETERSON, Associated Press on www.qcnews.com, see more information here.
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