Notre Dame DB Jaden Mickey formally enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Notre Dame cornerback Jaden Mickey formally entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

The move was expected as head coach Marcus Freeman mentioned Mickey would redshirt the rest of the season. With that, Mickey will continue his career elsewhere.

Mickey redshirts in the midst of his junior year for the Fighting Irish, appearing in 28 games in his career with Notre Dame, including the first four games of the 2024 season. Also making three starts between his freshman and sophomore seasons in South Bend and now ending his career with Notre Dame with 23 tackles, four defended passes, and an interception he returned for a 43-yard touchdown.

As a member of the Class of 2022, Mickey was a four-star recruit out of Corona (Calif.) Centennial, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 11 overall prospect in the state, the No. 22 cornerback in the class and the No. 185 overall prospect in the class.

“Jaden Mickey made a decision that he felt was best for him,” Freeman said. “For me to do anything other than support him would be selfish… I wish him the best of luck. I love him.”

Through Notre Dame’s first four games of the season, Mickey recorded three tackles and broke up one pass for the Fighting Irish. Playing in 82 total snaps and 23 in the team’s most recent game against Miami (OH) before declaring that he was parting ways with the program.

“Coaches, teammates, staff members, and supporters: I can’t put into words how grateful I am for how you have loved me and my family,” Mickey wrote in a statement. “Every up and down was worth it and all that my younger self could have asked for. 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!”

Kaiden Smith contributed to this report