Notre Dame’s Jaden Mickey to Redshirt and Enter Transfer Portal After 2024 Season
During a recent press conference, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman made a significant announcement regarding cornerback Jaden Mickey. Freeman revealed that Mickey, currently in his junior year, will redshirt for the remainder of the 2024 season with plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal after graduating in the spring. This decision, while surprising to many, stems from a combination of factors that Mickey believes are in the best interest of his future.
Jaden Mickey has been a promising player for Notre Dame since his arrival. As a four-star recruit out of Centennial High School in Corona, California, Mickey was ranked the No. 22 cornerback in his class and the No. 185 overall player in the 2022 recruiting cycle. His talent quickly became evident, as he played in 11 games during his freshman year in 2022 and started two games in his sophomore season in 2023. Notably, Mickey recorded an impressive pick-six against Pittsburgh, returning an interception for a 43-yard touchdown.
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However, Mickey's junior season didn’t unfold as planned. Despite appearing in Notre Dame’s first four games of the 2024 season, his playing time was limited, which likely influenced his decision to redshirt. Mickey’s choice to redshirt allows him to preserve two years of eligibility, giving him the opportunity to join another program and continue his college football career with fresh opportunities. Freeman expressed his full support for Mickey’s decision, stating, “For me to do anything other than support him would be selfish... I wish him the best of luck.”
In a heartfelt statement, Mickey expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received at Notre Dame, acknowledging both the highs and lows of his time with the Fighting Irish. “Every up and down was worth it and all that my younger self could have asked for,” Mickey wrote. “With a heavy heart, I will be redshirting this year with plans on transferring after I graduate in the spring. This isn’t risk, this is faith! Thank you, Jesus!”
Mickey will complete his career at Notre Dame with a total of 28 appearances, 23 tackles, four passes defended, and one memorable interception returned for a touchdown. While his departure marks the end of a chapter with the Fighting Irish, Mickey’s story is far from over, and his next step in the transfer portal could offer him a fresh start at a new program. Mickey leaves Notre Dame not only with a wealth of football experience but also with a degree in hand, positioning him well for whatever his future holds.
Coach Freeman’s acknowledgment of Mickey’s personal challenges, including the loss of his mother to cancer, underscores the deep respect and support the Notre Dame football community has for him. As Mickey looks ahead to new possibilities, he does so with the backing of his coaches, teammates, and fans who wish him the best in the next phase of his journey.
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