MSU President's Newspaper Column
October 17, 2026
Comet Nation rallies around #3 while Mayville State captures a thriller on a last-second kick
Mayville State’s game versus rival Valley City State on Saturday, October 10 was about far more than football. It marked the first home game at Jerome Berg Field since Comets quarterback Matt Donovan suffered a serious head injury during the Homecoming/Farmers Bowl game on September 19.
From shirts and flags, to rally towels, and more, Donovan’s jersey number, “3,” could be seen throughout the crowd on October 10. Comet Nation was out in force, not only to cheer on the Comets, but also to lift Matt, his family, and his loved ones with encouragement, hope, and support.
Since Matt’s injury, the outpouring of support has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Mayville-Portland and Mayville State communities, together with friends, alumni, opponents, and supporters from across the country, have rallied around the Donovan family through prayers, messages of encouragement, fundraising efforts, and visible displays of solidarity. From the Mayville State University campus to the Donovans’ hometown of La Crescent, Minn., and stretching across the nation, countless people of all ages, from elementary school students and beyond, are standing beside Matt and his family with unwavering faith, strength, and compassion.
Donovan has a long road of recovery ahead. He has remained hospitalized since leaving Jerome Berg Field by ambulance and being airlifted to Fargo on September 19. His recovery journey will include specialized rehabilitation at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, which will likely be followed by treatment at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, which is internationally recognized for its expertise in traumatic brain injuries.
At the October 10 game, players from both Mayville State and Valley City State wore helmet decals in Matt’s honor. Team captains and coaches gathered at midfield with Donovan’s jersey during the coin toss, showing that football is about more than competition. It is a brotherhood united in support of one another.
As the afternoon unfolded, the number “3” seemed to appear everywhere. It was visible in the stands and on the field, but it also showed up in the remarkable game statistics. The contest featured a 33-33 tie (with four seconds remaining), a 36-33 final score, and three field goals by Mayville State kicker Harry Cousins, including the game-winning kick as time expired. The Comets scored 14 points in the third quarter to build a commanding lead, Mayville State’s Payton McGregor recorded three receptions, and third-down execution played a pivotal role throughout the game.
It could have been coincidence, or simply moments that felt bigger than the game itself, but throughout the day, the number that has come to symbolize Matt Donovan’s presence was impossible to ignore.
Whether you choose to view it as coincidence or something more meaningful, those moments provided a powerful reminder that while Matt could not be on the field with his teammates, he remained very much at the heart of the game in the thoughts of everyone who gathered to support him.
Yet, the most meaningful display of “3” was not found on the scoreboard or in the statistics. It was reflected in the tremendous number of supporters who filled the stands, wore Matt’s number, shared his story, and demonstrated that the strength of Comet Nation extends far beyond the football field.
I have often shared that the most meaningful lessons learned at Mayville State extend far beyond the classroom. They encompass the values of caring for one another, leading with integrity, and showing up when others need us most. These values are woven into the work our faculty and staff do every day and are carried forward by our students and alumni. The overwhelming support being shown to Matt Donovan and his family is a testament to those values and to the deep sense of community that defines Mayville State. In moments like these, we see that the true strength of our university is found in its people.
While Matt’s journey to recovery is just beginning, one thing has been very clear from the start. He is not traveling that road alone. For every person who has reached out, worn a #3 shirt, offered a prayer, participated in a fundraiser, or simply kept Matt and his family in their thoughts, thank you. Your support is a source of hope, strength, and comfort.