Wayne Matthews III’s Possible Debut at Nebraska Could Change the Game for Michigan State Football—Here’s Why

Michigan State’s gridiron warriors are gearing up for a tough showdown in Nebraska, and the latest buzz hints at some crucial players inching back toward the fray. Coach Jonathan Smith just dropped some hopeful updates on his weekly radio spot—most notably, linebacker Wayne Matthews III, who’s been bouncing back from that alarming USC injury and is now back on the practice field. With the Spartans holding a 3-1 record and looking to gain momentum in the Big Ten, every bit of health counts. Meanwhile, questions loom over Nikai Martinez’s availability after a tough collision, and a few key starters won’t be suiting up due to lingering injuries. It’s a classic midseason grind with the inevitable aches and setbacks, but the Spartans are pushing through, aiming to bring their A-game to Memorial Stadium this Saturday. Curious for more details on MSU’s fight to stay competitive? LEARN MORE

EAST LANSING — Michigan State football might be closer to healthy for its trip to Nebraska.

Smith on his weekly radio show said linebacker Wayne Matthews III has been practicing this week after suffering a scary injury at USC.

“He was able to do a little bit of work actually during the bye week and has been practicing this week,” Smith said Wednesday, Oct. 1. “And if that all continues to look good – I know he feels good – there’s a pretty good chance to see him on Saturday.”

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.

The Spartans (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) face Nebraska (3-1, 0-1) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska (4 p.m., FS1).

Smith said Nikai Martinez will be a late-week decision after the safety collided with defensive end Quindarius Dunningan at USC, with both players leaving the game just before halftime and one play before Matthews’ injury. As those two walked to the locker room, Matthews was taken off the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum field on a stretcher and transported to LA General Hospital for observation, but he flew home with the Spartans after their 45-31 loss to the Trojans.

Smith added that wide receiver Nick Marsh was dealing with a lower-leg contusion that limited him vs. USC but was able to rest, receive treatment and heal during the bye week.

“He should be pretty closer to 100 this Saturday” at Nebraska, Smith said of Marsh.

MSU will be without starting left tackle Stanton Ramil for at least a month after getting injured at USC, Smith said Monday, and the Spartans lost starting guard Luka Vincic for the rest of the season with a knee injury he suffered during Sept. 13 home win over Youngstown State. Backup linebacker Brady Pretzlaff also will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury he got against the Penguins.

“The wear and tear starts taking place, too,” Smith said. “We’re not quite to the middle of the season. But by the middle of the season, you got some bumps and bruises.”

Contact Chris Solari:[email protected]. Follow him @chrissolari.

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