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The Old Dominion Monarchs received some pressure Wednesday night when they topped the South Florida Bulls to win the Cure Bowl and make it 10 wins for the first time since 2016.
The issue concerned redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle. He rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns and threw for 127 more in the 24-10 victory. But in the third quarter, Henicle was hit pretty hard by South Florida’s De’Shawn Rucker, who ripped off his helmet as he fell to the ground. Rucker was ejected for targeting.
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Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) shouts as he scores a touchdown against South Florida cornerback Jonas Duclona (3) during the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
South Florida Bulls cornerback De’Shawn Rucker (22) takes a coaching call for this hit against Old Dominion Monarchs quarterback Quinn Henicle (10), denying a turnover during the StaffDNA Cure Bowl between the Old Dominion Monarchs and the USF Bulls on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. (Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Henicle fell and did not move for several moments. A medical staff helped him back and he walked to the bench.
However, it wasn’t enough to knock Henicle out of the game. He returned two plays later and Old Dominion would score on a field goal. Old Dominion received some criticism for allowing Henicle to continue playing after the brutal hit.
Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne said Henicle was examined three times for a concussion, according to the school’s website.
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Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle, left, and head coach Ricky Rahne, center right, celebrate after winning the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game against South Florida, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
“I didn’t think it was that hard of a blow,” Henicle added. “It was just football. When you get hit like that, you get up and get back in the game.
“I wasn’t going to let them take me out of the game.”
The Monarchs led 17-10 after the field goal in the play analyzed.
Old Dominion quarterback Quinn Henicle (10) reacts after a first down during the NCAA Cure Bowl college football game against South Florida, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP)
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In the fourth quarter, Henicle delivered the finishing blow with a 51-yard touchdown run.
