USC Trojans, Michigan State Come Together To Support Injured Player Following Game

The USC Trojans and the Michigan State Spartans came together after the game in a moment of prayer for MSU linebacker Wayne Matthews III, who suffered a scary injury in the first half of the Trojans' Big Ten home opener.

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley watches game action against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The No. 21 USC Trojans beat Michigan State 45-31 in its Big Ten home opener on Saturday night to improve to 4-0 on the season. While it was a game won by the Trojans, both teams' thoughts are with Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III, who suffered a scary injury in Saturday night's game.

USC and Michigan State Come Together To Support Matthews

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley meets with Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith following the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

With 42 seconds remaining in the second quarter, USC running back Waymond Jordan collided with Matthews on an option run play. Following the play, Matthews remained on the ground, resulting in the Spartans' medical staff calling for a backboard and cart for him.

The MSU medical staff appeared to cut his jersey off before he was placed on the backboard and transported to the LA General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma facility near the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Before departing the stadium for the hospital, Matthews gave a thumbs-up to the crowd.

MORE: USC Trojans Star Quarterback Quietly Climbing Up NFL Draft Boards

MORE: Why Makai Lemon Deserves MVP in USC's Win Over Michigan State

MORE: USC Trojans' Jayden Maiava Continues This Key Streak In Win Over Michigan State

MORE: Biggest Winners, Losers In USC Trojans Win Over Michigan State Spartans 

In a moment of unity between Michigan State and USC, following the game, multiple players from both teams came together in prayer for Matthews.

Touching moment between both teams at midfield. A prayer was said for the Michigan State player who was carted off the field earlier in the game: pic.twitter.com/RCEbWpaueS

— Keely Eure (@keelyismyname) September 21, 2025

Latest Injury Update on Matthews

Michigan State's Wayne Matthews III, left, celebrates with Nikai Martinez after a tackle against Youngstown State during the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After being transported to the hospital following his injury, Matthews' motor skills are intact, according to a Michigan State spokesperson. Matthews also flew back to Lansing with Michigan State's football team this morning.

Matthews entered the game for the Spartans at linebacker following starter Jordan Hall's being ejected for targeting early in the first half. The former Old Dominion linebacker transferred to Michigan State in 2024 after three seasons with the Monarchs. Matthews has recorded 59 total tackles and one interception in his two seasons with Michigan State.

Other Injuries For Michigan State

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith watches game action against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In addition to the injury to Matthews, the Spartans also lost other key pieces on their defense, including defensive lineman Quindarius Dunningan and defensive back Nikai Martinez for the game. Both Martinez and Dunningan were injured on the play before Matthews' injury.

Michigan State's starting left tackle, Stanton Ramil, was also injured in the first half of the game and remained sidelined following his injury. The Spartans will get a much-needed bye week to heal up before traveling to Lincoln to face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Oct. 4.

What's Next For USC?

Sep 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) runs the ball against Michigan State Spartans defensive back Malik Spencer (43) during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

As for the Trojans, they will travel to Champaign to face off against Illinois, which is coming off a brutal 63-10 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers. The Trojans' week 5 matchup against the Fighting Illini is set to be their first true road test of the season.

After suffering such a brutal loss at the hands of Indiana, expect Bret Bielema's Illinois squad to be extra motivated for this game against USC. Trojans coach Lincoln Riley and starting quarterback Jayden Maiava will look to earn a signature win on the road, something that has been missing from the program the last two seasons.