Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle appeared to be knocked unconscious by a big hit to the head during the Cure Bowl. It led to a controversial targeting penalty and questionable concussion protocols.
He returned to the game just a few moments later.
To make the situation even more unfortunate, the collision marked the early end of the defender’s college football career. Henicle was allowed to keep playing but he was not.
USF defensive back De’Shawn Rucker was ejected for targeting.
This specific sequence of events took place during the third quarter. Henicle broke loose into the secondary on a scramble up the middle. He got crushed by South Florida defensive back De’Shawn Rucker. Rucker, a senior, unfortunately saw his college football career come to an early conclusion.
The hit was flagged for targeting. Targeting results in an ejection.
#USF CB De'Shawn Rucker was ejected for targeting for this hit on #ODU QB Quinn Henicle
— 🜲 🜲 🜲 (@fsh733) December 18, 2025
Henickle looked like he was KO'd, sideline reporter Morgan Uber said he had blood dripping down his nose…. and he's already back on the field. pic.twitter.com/vf7VyCrszD
It was a controversial ruling. Rucker led with his shoulder. He was already lowered to make the tackle before Henicle lowered his head into the helmet-to-helmet contact. I am not really sure what else Rucker was supposed to do.
Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle somehow cleared concussion protocol.
Henicle appeared to be knocked out after the hit to the head. He required medical attention and was helped off of the field. Sideline reporter Morgan Uber said he had blood dripping down his nose.
And yet, Old Dominion cleared him to return just a few plays later. Henicle actually ran for a touchdown on the same drive. But will he remember it after the game?
That is the question to which Chris Nowinski, Ph.D would like an answer. Nowinski is a former WWE superstar who played college football at Harvard. He is now focused on “fighting to end CTE and for concussion safety without compromise.” He is the founding CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation.
Nowinski could not believe Quinn Henicle was allowed to stay in the game.
“Concussion care in college football games is trending toward criminal. Quinn Henicle’s arms go limp here because he’s half-conscious from the hit to his head. He shouldn’t be back in the game. Fire everyone.”
Dr. Brian Stutterer was equally as shocked by the clearance.
In their medical opinions, Henicle being allowed to return to the game after the hit to the head was unacceptable. The hit from Rucker was enough to rule him out for his own safety.