Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III rushed to LA hospital after scary tackle against USC

Michigan State linebacker Wayne Matthews III was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital during Saturday's game against USC after suffering a frightening on-field injury in the second quarter at the LA Coliseum.

Matthews, a 23-year-old Maryland native, appeared motionless briefly after attempting to tackle Trojans running back Waymond Jordan. Spartans medical staff loaded him onto a stretcher and then a cart to the edge of the field, where an ambulance waited. He was transported to LA General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, according to Fox sideline reporter Alexa Landestoy. In the moments after the hit, Matthews began moving his arms and legs, and medical staff cut away his jersey before securing him to the stretcher with his neck and head stabilized. He offered a thumbs-up to teammates as he was escorted off the field, drawing a standing ovation from Trojans fans.

Spartans teammates joined in a group prayer before play resumed on the field. Matthews started his college career at Old Dominion before transferring to Michigan State, where he became the team's green-dot linebacker, the designated defender who receives play calls from the coaching staff through a helmet radio, after teammate Logan Hall was ejected for targeting earlier in the game. The moment surrounding the hit was described as non-descript by FOX play-by-play commentator Jason Benetti, with the severity becoming evident as medical staff rushed onto the field.

USC moved quickly after the stoppage, scoring and taking a 24-10 lead into halftime. Social media posts expressed concern and support for Matthews, with fans praying for his recovery and well-being.

There was no immediate official update on Matthews's condition available in the report.