Michigan State faced off against the USC Trojans in what was an uneven matchup, with USC favored by 19.5 points. Despite that, the Spartans persisted even after losing their ace linebacker Jordan Hall to a targeting ejection. Matters became even worse when MSU’s other linebacker, Wayne Matthews, also had to exit the field after a severe injury. MSU, after losing both its top linebackers, faltered 31-45 against Lincoln Riley’s Trojans, its first loss of the season. However, despite the loss, losing Matthews was critical, and there were widespread concerns about his injury. But now, an update has finally come up regarding his health.

In what should have been a regular play, which came on first-and-goal from Michigan State’s 9-yard line. It resulted in a head-on collision with USC Trojans linebacker Eli Sanders after he took a handoff, as linebacker Wayne Matthews and defensive end Quindarius Dunnigan collided with him. The collision was then the start, since DL Ben Roberts later piled on top of the duo, as Matthews immediately looked in pain and stayed lying down on the field. Matthews never made the field again in that USC vs MSU game and was carted off, but now has relayed an update regarding his health.

“Thank you for all your prayers and support! I’m doing a lot better now! I’ll be back in no time,” wrote Wayne Matthews on his X account. Wayne Matthews’ season so far has been a story of dominance, as he has the second-highest (26) tackles for the Spartans, right after Jordan Hall. Even before Matthews was carted off against USC, he had already notched 2 tackles against USC and was playing well. Losing Matthews then could result in some serious concerns for the Spartans.

Mathews came to Michigan State in the 2024 season after spending the better part of his college career at Old Dominion. His 2023 season with the team was particularly notable as he notched up 135 tackles and was ranked second in the Sun Belt, and was 11th overall amongst all FBS tacklers. Coming into Michigan State, Matthews took no time in putting in those same performances and played in the first nine games of the season, notching up 33 tackles. The 6’2″ and 230 lbs linebacker missed three games due to an injury last season, and that makes his USC injury scary. But now that he has finally relayed an update, prayers are pouring in for his recovery.

Tributes pour in from Spartans and Trojans fan bases alike for Matthews

After the critical collision that occurred in the USC game, Matthews showed incredible resiliency and gave an optimistic thumbs-up to the crowd when finally taken to the sidelines, as the crowd gave him an inspiring ovation. Quickly then, Matthews was transported to LA General Medical Center for subsequent tests, and later the program confirmed that Matthews’ motor skills were unharmed and he was being taken to a Level-1 trauma center. Ever since then, the update has boosted morale among the Spartans’ fanbase.

“Get well soon. Prayers for a speedy recovery,” wrote a user on Matthews’ post. While another user thanked the player for the update and prayed for his recovery. “Great news, thank you for the update, & keeping you in my continued thoughts and prayers 🙏 💚🤍.” Despite being later admitted to a level-1 trauma center, the linebacker initially flew with the team, showcasing that he was ready for the challenge and the recovery. Last year, too, the player recovered well after his injury.

Last year, after starting the season well, the player missed three games due to an unspecified injury, although he quickly made his recovery and came back in the spring. It was a powerful statement of his love for MSU and the drive to play for the team for which he joined the Spartans. “It’s about stepping up every day, whether it’s practice or game day. I learned that at ODU, and I’m bringing it here to help us win,” said the player before the season started, taking up the leadership role. That is another reason people are concerned about Wayne Matthews’ injury.

“This is the best thing I’ll hear today! Wishing you the best, dude!!!” wrote a user. Another user mentioned how he was overwhelmed to see the heartfelt messages the USC fans had sent to the player. “The number of fans from USC and other schools with warm wishes is heartwarming. 🥺 ♥️ So happy to hear you are doing better, @WayneM9_Still praying for you. Go Green! 💚🤍,” wrote the user.

The recovery update for the Spartans has come at a crucial time, when the team is set to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Week 6, followed by teams like Indiana and Michigan. These games are tough, and Matthews, a crucial piece in the D-line, will be needed at his best in those games. Hopefully for now, his recovery is the priority, and we expect that the player will make a comeback swiftly. It’s like how one user put it, “Great news. We will watch for your return to the turf of Spartan Stadium and will celebrate with you,” wrote the user.