Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III suffered what appeared to be a serious injury with 42 seconds left in the first half of Saturday’s game against No. 25 USC.
Matthews was involved in a collision on a running play late in the half. He remained down on the field for several minutes before medical personnel transported him off the field on a stretcher.
Fox’s Alex Landestoy reported during the telecast that Matthews was taken to a Level 1 trauma center at Los Angeles General Medical Center. Medical personnel confirmed Matthews has motor skills.
Players from both teams gathered around Matthews for several minutes while he was on the field.
Michigan State defensive lineman Ben Roberts was visibly emotional during the injury timeout.
Michigan State players come together in support of teammate Wayne Matthews III as he is carted off the field.
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/mDoUbNRn9D
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2025
Detroit Free Press reporter Chris Solari reports Matthews gave a thumbs-up signal while being taken to the ambulance into the tunnel after the injury. Michigan State players also gathered to pray before halftime.
Matthews is an Old Dominion transfer in his second season with the Spartans. The fifth-year senior had 24 tackles entering Saturday’s game.
This story will be updated with more information
