Lincoln Riley had message for Desman Stephens after Dante Moore hit

USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Lincoln Riley had a message for Desman Stephens after bad hit on Dante Moore

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 30, 2026 3:09 PM ET

USC Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens made headlines after a late hit on Oregon Ducks star quarterback Dante Moore.

Moore had to leave the game on a stretcher, though the results later showed a positive development as he was diagnosed with a concussion and no further injuries.

Stephens caught backlash after the way he reacted to the hit, and he was suspended for one game. On Wednesday, USC coach Lincoln Riley spoke to reporters with a message for Stephens.

“I’m disappointed with how he handled it,” Riley said. “He’s a young person that made a mistake…If that were your son and he made a mistake, how would you want it handled?”

Riley said it is their job to “educate him” and said it was a “real consequence” that he is suspended for the upcoming game.

Lincoln Riley discusses holding Desman Stephens accountable while continuing to support him after the hit on Dante Moore. pic.twitter.com/mO8xUnT047
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 30, 2026

Riley said he looks at him like a son, and this scenario didn’t change that.

Here was the scene after the hit, and Stephens was seen smiling on the USC sideline.

DESMAN STEPHENS SEEN SMILING AND DAPPING UP USC PLAYERS AFTER A DIRTY HIT ON DANTE MOORE JUST SICK pic.twitter.com/R9xBwvUaCm
— FD (@flooduck) September 27, 2026

Stephens also later issued an apology for the hit and his antics.

USC LB Desman Stephens II, who knocked Oregon QB Dante Moore out of last night’s game has been suspended for the Washington game, the program announced. Statements and apology from Stephens here pic.twitter.com/lHxhm8RCu0
— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) September 27, 2026

Moore took to social media with his first public message since the incident. As for Stephens, he won’t play in USC’s upcoming game against Washington.

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