The week 6 Notre Dame vs Boise State matchup is a major statement game for one of the Broncos’ standout DBs. He is a former Notre Dame player who transferred and has now brought a gritty edge to Boise State’s secondary in this 2025 season. But what happened with the Irish? In 2023, Jaden Mickey appeared in only four games and was mostly a backup in a crowded cornerback rotation. Despite showing flashes, he played a limited role while battling fiercely for playing time. His transfer was expected. But there was a team in between that tested Mickey’s loyalty to the Fighting Irish.

Jaden had lost his mother to cancer just before Notre Dame’s Sun Bowl. So one can imagine how that left a significant emotional impact on him. In that light, choosing to redshirt the rest of the season and enter the transfer portal was more about finding the right environment. But there has been new intel coming straight from the Mickey household, which suggests that the Broncos weren’t the only ones vying for Jaden. In a recent podcast appearance, Jaden’s father, Lamar Mickey, spilled some beans on how USC tried its financial power to lure Jaden to Los Angeles.

“USC offered him the most money,” Lamar Mickey said on the Third & Gold podcast. “And he was like, I can’t go to USC.” USC being an option for Mickey is not surprising. He had a natural connection to the area, and the Trojans were a logical fit geographically and football-wise. USC also ranks as one of the highest spenders on NIL deals in the Big Ten. The Trojans are investing roughly $123,000 per recruit on average for the class of 2026. Sure, they sit just behind Oregon, Ohio State, and Maryland in spending. But USC is trying to stake its claim as a major force. 

With 27 commitments in the class of 2026, including two five-star and 14 four-star recruits, more than half of those players are Californians, showing the Trojans’ hold on their home turf. But this pull didn’t have much luck during Jaden’s time. He was attracted to Boise State with the help of a “spirit-led decision.” And on top of that, Boise State’s head coach, Spencer Danielson, recruited Mickey out of high school when he was the defensive coordinator. He reached out and re-established that bond.

The existing relationship provided Mickey with comfort during the whirlwind of the transfer process. “It gives a sense of comfort, already being aware of (Danielson), who he is as a person,” Mickey said. “… Getting myself familiar with the new coaching staff and whoever’s here now was a big thing. But it was definitely a plus being recruited out of high school.” And now he is a vital piece for the Broncos’ secondary. Against Eastern Washington, he started at nickelback. He recorded seven tackles, forced a fumble, and recovered it as well. His experience from playing over 800 collegiate snaps across three seasons has translated into the kind of play that the Broncos will now lean on.

The week 6 matchup against Notre Dame wouldn’t go in vain

Jaden Mickey’s journey with the Broncos hasn’t been all smooth sailing. He took a scary hit in the game against Appalachian State, suffering a neck injury that had fans anxious. The diagnosis? A concussion. It was a tense moment because concussions are no joke in today’s game. But the Broncos’ fans can take a sigh of relief after that frightening hit. Moreover, Mickey has been making steady progress for his return.

He’s been cleared for non-contact practice, showing a determined effort to get back on the field. Danielson highlighted that Mickey was a game-time decision for their big matchup against Notre Dame, a nod to how valuable he is to the defense. Danielson’s cautious optimism shines through as he emphasized the Broncos’ commitment to letting Mickey heal right without rushing him.

But Jaden hasn’t been sitting idle. He has been studying film, readying himself mentally for the game that means so much to him. Having played three seasons at Notre Dame and graduated from the university, this game is a personal statement for him. The team plans to bring him along to South Bend regardless, showing how valued he is as both a player and teammate.