USC Linebacker Suspended for Hit on Oregon Quarterback Dante Moore USC linebacker Desman Stephens was suspended for a hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore that left Moore hospitalized; Stephens apologized as Oregon coach Dan Lanning confirmed clean scans. USC linebacker Desman Stephens, 20, has been suspended for one game after a brutal head shot on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, 21, during the second quarter of the Oregon-USC game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Moore was tended to by medical staff for a lengthy amount of time before being loaded onto a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Stephens was seen celebrating and taunting Oregon players as Moore lay on the field. Stephens Apologizes for Actions in Oregon-USC GameIn a statement on Sunday, September 27, Stephens said he wanted to sincerely apologize for his actions during the previous day's game. He described seeing a player injured as incredibly serious and called his reaction in the moments afterward completely inappropriate and inexcusable. Regardless of what was going through his mind at the time, he said there is no justification for smiling or celebrating while another player receives medical attention. He took full responsibility for his actions.Stephens added that this is not the person or teammate he wants to be and that he will learn from the incident. He expressed deep sorrow to Dante, his family and everyone who saw his reaction, saying it is not representative of USC or the program. He hoped Moore makes a full and speedy recovery.USC Coach Riley Addresses Suspension and ApologyUSC head coach Lincoln Riley, 43, also addressed the incident on Sunday. He stated that Stephens's actions in the previous night's game are unacceptable and are not reflective of USC football nor of his personal character. Riley said Stephens understands his mistake, accepts the consequences of his actions and will learn from this. The entire Trojan Family wishes Dante a full recovery, and Riley sent his best regards to Moore and his family.USC suspended Stephens for one game, meaning the linebacker will not be available when the Trojans host the University of Washington on Saturday, October 3. The suspension is a direct consequence of the hit and subsequent celebration that drew widespread criticism.Oregon Coach Lanning Provides Update on MooreOregon head coach Dan Lanning, 40, said in a statement that fortunately Moore's MRI and CT scans came back clean and he did not suffer any additional injuries. He noted that every concussion is different and that the team will move forward with an abundance of caution to ensure they make the best decisions for Dante and his future.Lanning continued, expressing extreme appreciation for the entire medical staff and the medical staffs at USC and LA General for their quick and thorough action in making sure Dante received the very best care possible. Moore was hospitalized after the hit but was released following the clean scans.Another Oregon quarterback came into the game in Moore's absence, helping guide the Ducks to a 41-27 victory over USC on Saturday. Oregon returns to action on Saturday, October 10, when they host UCLA. The Ducks will look to build on their win as they continue their season.Background on the Hit and ReactionsThe incident occurred at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 26, 2026, during a Pac-12 matchup between Oregon and USC. Moore was sliding to the ground when Stephens delivered a head shot that left the quarterback motionless on the field. Medical staff from both teams rushed to attend to Moore, and after a lengthy delay, he was stretchered off and taken to a nearby hospital.Stephens's celebration immediately after the hit drew sharp criticism from players, coaches and fans. The suspension and apology came swiftly as USC sought to address the incident. The game continued with Oregon ultimately securing a 41-27 win, but the focus shifted to Moore's health and Stephens's conduct.Oregon coach Dan Lanning praised the medical response and emphasized a cautious approach to Moore's recovery. USC coach Lincoln Riley echoed those sentiments and accepted the suspension as a teaching moment for his player. The incident has sparked discussions about player safety and sportsmanship in college football.Moore's clean scans were a relief for the Oregon program, and he is expected to make a full recovery. No timetable has been set for his return to the field. The Ducks will face UCLA next, while USC will host Washington without Stephens. Both teams will look to move forward from the incident.