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 was down on the field for several minutes before being taken off the field on a stretcher by medical personnel.
Fox's Alex Landestoy said on the telecast Matthews has been taken to a Level 1 trauma center at the Los Angeles General Medical Center, which 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.
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2025
Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery 🙏 pic.twitter.com/mDoUbNRn9D
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 – an Old Dominion transfer in his second season with the Spartans – had 24 tackles entering the game. He is a fifth-year senior.
This story will be updated with more information