When the Notre Dame football team faces off against Boise State on Saturday, Marcus Freeman and Co. may face off against one of their favorite former teammates.
If Jaden Mickey does make it on the field for the Broncos, the story will be about more than an ex-Fighting Irish star lacing it up against his old school. The defensive back suffered a terrifying injury in Boise's last game, one that looked worse than it ended up being, as his head snapped back at an angle that some thought meant a spinal injury.
Former Notre Dame corner Jaden Mickey working his way back from a concussion
.@Coach_SD discusses how the team rallied around each other after the Jaden Mickey injury. pic.twitter.com/qXSYnc0zrX
— KTIK 95.3 FM The Ticket (@KTIK_953FM) September 28, 2025
The former Notre Dame corner suffered a concussion, and while he's still in the protocol, there's hope he'll be able to suit up on Saturday and go up against his old mates.
The injury was scary enough that Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said the team rallied around Mickey, and once he had to leave the squad's 47-14 win over Appalachian State, the Broncos wanted to win for their injured teammate.
"That kid’s a warrior man," Danielson said. "He’s lost his mom (on Dec. 28, 2023). He’s been through a lot. He’s a phenomenal kid."
"Even in that moment, the amount of guys that the second that cart left the field, our players (were saying), ‘We’re doing this for Mick. We’re doing this for Mick. We’re doing this for Mick.’ "Danielson said. "I think that shows a team that loves each other."
Mickey is still someone who is beloved by his former Notre Dame teammates and coaches as well. When he left the team last year, he stuck around campus until he found a new school, rooting on the Irish from the stands.
Mickey eventually transferred to California but left the Golden Bears after his position coach departed for another job. He landed with Boise State not long after and seems to have found a home. During his weekly press conference, Marcus Freeman made it clear he has no ill will towards Mickey and is happy he's found a place to call home.
"I never talked to Spencer [Danielson] about him... I love that guy... I just want to make sure he's ok... all I care about is his health and his family... these are relationships that last forever."
For his own safety, the Notre Dame staff hopes Jaden Mickey is healthy enough to suit up and play on Saturday. Even if he's not, they'll love to see him before the contest kicks off.