College Quarterback Matt Donovan in Medically Induced Coma After Skull Surgery

Mayville State quarterback Matt Donovan is in a medically induced coma and "fighting like crazy" after a severe head injury sustained during a game required surgeons to remove portions of his skull.

Donovan suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Comets' 42-41 victory over Simpson University. He was "life flighted" to a nearby hospital following the incident, which his sister Ashley described as a "head-to-head" collision that caused a brain bleed.

"He underwent surgery on his brain that lasted just over two hours, where they removed portions of his skull, in order to release the pressure from his brain," the team announced via social media. "After leaving surgery he was released into the intensive care unit and is under some of the best medical care in the Midwest."

The team's statement added that Donovan's eyes reacted to light normally, a positive sign noted by his neurosurgeon. He remains under heavy sedation to allow his brain to rest and heal, with the next few days deemed critical due to the potential for continued or increased swelling.

Mayville State head coach Rocky Larson expressed the emotional toll of the injury, calling it "one of the darkest moments I've had in coaching." He commended his team's resilience in securing the win despite the circumstances. "Stuff is going to get hard in your life and we talk all the time about growing boys into men and I watched a lot of boys turn into men today," Larson told KVRR Fox. "It felt insurmountable and our kids didn't quit."

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Donovan's family with lodging, dining, and medical expenses related to his care and recovery. As of this report, the page had raised nearly $33,500 toward its $40,000 goal.

Donovan's father, Terry Donovan, shared an update on social media, stating, "The amount of support, messages, love, and prayers we have received is beyond anything we could have imagined. We cannot thank everyone enough." He emphasized the gravity of the situation post-surgery and urged continued prayers for his son.

Donovan's mother, Tina, posted a picture of her son with a heartfelt message: "I love this kid with all my heart! I would do anything to hear you say I love you mama."