Desman Stephens missed the final three quarters of USC's eventual loss to the Oregon Ducks on Saturday night. Now the Trojans linebacker will miss all of next week's Big Ten showdown with the Washington Huskies.
Stephens uncorked what may be thedirtiest hit of the 2026 college football season in Week 4, leveling sliding Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with a late helmet-first blast. Moore had to be stretchered off the field andtaken to a local hospital soon after. Stephens was flagged for targeting and absorbed the ejection that came with it. After taking time to review the matter, USC and head coach Lincoln Riley decided that wasn't enough.
On Sunday, the Trojans announced Stephens was suspended for Week 5 in a statement that included a public
apology from the junior.
USC has suspended LB Desman Stephens II for one game after his actions against Oregon.
— Bryan Fischer (@bryandfischer.bsky.social) 2026-09-27T18:00:42.003Z
Moore's status for Week 5 has not yet been revealed, but it seems unlikely he'll play. If he can't take the field, former five star recruit and Nebraska starter Dylan Raiola will take his place after guiding the Ducks to victory Saturday evening.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: USC suspends Desman Stephens after late, dirty hit injured Dante Moore
