Though the play itself happened hours earlier in the day, emotions from Desman Stephens' late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore still simmered well after Oregon's 41-27 win over USC on Saturday night.
Stephens, who was ejected from the game, was criticized by several neutral parties for seemingly celebrating his hit — even after it was evident the severity of Moore's injury. The Southern California linebacker also stayed on USC's sideline as the teams came out for the second half, prompting reporters to ask why he had not remained in the locker room.
Trojans football coach Lincoln Riley, speaking
after his team's loss to the Ducks, offered a pithy response: "Because he's on our football team."
.@MirjamSwanson asked #USC head coach Lincoln Riley why Desman Stephens was on the sideline during the second half after getting ejected for his hit on Oregon QB Dante Moore.
— Aaron Heisen (@aaron_heisen) September 27, 2026
“Because he’s on our football team.” pic.twitter.com/I4jntTrce6
The NCAA in 2021 enacted a rule that allowed players who were ejected from the game due to targeting to remain on the sidelines with their teams, a departure from a rule from 2013-20 that mandated they must stay in the locker room.
However, given the nature of Stephens' late hit on Moore, coupled with the criticisms he received, Riley may have considered leaving his linebacker in the locker room, if for no other reason than to avoid a distraction. Riley also said he did not see any celebrations from Stephens following the hit.
As for Moore, he was transported to a nearby hospital, where Ducks coach Dan Lanning said his star quarterback "has the ability to move." Dylan Raiola finished the game for Oregon, leading the win while passing for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns in the game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lincoln Riley 6-word reason why Desman Stephens stayed on sideline after Dante Moore hit
