USC Linebacker Desman Stephens Suspended for One Game Following Hit on Oregon Quarterback

Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, September 27, 2026 —

USC linebacker Desman Stephens has been suspended for one game, the university confirmed. The suspension stems from a play during a recent football game in Los Angeles where Stephens committed a hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. The incident also involved Stephens’ subsequent celebration following the play.

The specific date of the game in which the incident occurred was not immediately available. The exact nature of the “dangerous hit” and the details of the “subsequent celebration” were also not publicly specified by the university or the athletic conference involved.

The suspension means Stephens will miss the upcoming game. The authority that issued the suspension, whether it be USC’s athletic department, the Pac-12 conference, or another governing body, was not detailed in the available information. Further details regarding the disciplinary process, including any specific rules or protocols that were cited, have not been released.

Desman Stephens is a linebacker for the USC Trojans. Dante Moore is the quarterback for the Oregon Ducks. The football game took place in Los Angeles. The length of Stephens’ suspension is set at one game. Information regarding any potential fines, additional penalties, or future review of the incident was not provided.

The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The trend summary did not contain further details regarding the timeline of events, specific game statistics, or outcomes beyond the suspension itself. Information on when Stephens will be eligible to return to play following the one-game suspension was also not specified.

Story summarized from the original created by By GREG BEACHAM and ANNE M. PETERSON, Associated Press on www.local10.com, see more information here.