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USC linebacker, Desman Stephens II receives backlash after hitting Oregon quarterback

A USC player in yellow pants is lunging at an Oregon player in a white uniform. The Oregon player is laying on the ground.
USC defensive player Desman Stephens II hits Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in the second half of the USC versus Oregon game on Sept. 26, 2026. (Photo by Kendall Baldwin)

Trojan linebacker Desman Stephens II is under fire after hitting University of Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, during the second quarter of Saturday’s football game. Outrage erupted online after USC stayed silent while Moore was knocked unconscious. Moore was put on a stretcher and taken in an ambulance to LA General Medical Center. The event raised questions about the USC team’s ethics, especially under the leadership of head coach Lincoln Riley.