There have been some positive updates regarding Michigan State redshirt senior linebacker Wayne Matthews III following the Spartans’ 45-31 loss at USC.

Late in the first half, Matthews attempted to tackle USC running back Waymond Jordan, and remained down on the field after the play. Matthews was placed onto a stretcher and carted off the field. He was then taken by ambulance to Los Angeles General Medical Center, a Level 1 trauma center. 

According to a Michigan State spokesperson, Matthews’ motor skills were “intact” following the scary occurrence.

MSU head coach Jonathan Smith briefly addressed Matthews’ status following the loss to the Trojans. 

"What I was just told quickly, that, going through all the thorough evaluation, took him over to the hospital, positive signs but they're looking for confirmation on tests and things,” Smith said immediately after the game. “But positive signs, that's what I was quickly told.” 

Matthews was eventually medically cleared and released from the hospital. He was able to fly back to East Lansing, Michigan with the team, according to a Michigan State program spokesperson, via David Harns of Spartans Illustrated. 

Matthews took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday to let fans know how he is doing, and assure that he is in good spirits. 

“Thank you for all your prayers and support,” Matthews said via social media. “I’m doing a lot better now! I’ll be back in no time.”

Matthews recorded two tackles on Saturday before his injury. He has amassed 26 total tackles so far in 2025, which is second on the team behind junior linebacker Jordan Hall. He has also recorded one tackle for loss, and is one of just two Spartans that has recorded an interception in 2025 thus far, along with redshirt senior safety Armorion Smith. 

Hall also exited Saturday’s game against USC early after he was ejected following a targeting call in the second quarter.

Matthews joined the Spartans ahead of the 2024 season after transferring in from Old Dominion. He spent the 2021 through 2023 seasons with the Monarchs. 

It is unclear how much time, if any, Matthews will miss moving forward. Michigan State has a bye week this week before playing at Nebraska on Oct. 4 (4 p.m. Eastern Time on FS1). 

Michigan State’s loss to USC was its first defeat of the 2025 season. The Spartans currently have a record of 3-1 through the first four games of the campaign.