Former Michigan standout Jayden Sanders joins Notre Dame's elite secondary, bolstering an already formidable defensive backfield for the 2026 season.
Former Michigan cornerback Jayden Sanders has committed to the University of Notre Dame. The rising sophomore will have three years of eligibility remaining after playing his freshman season with the Wolverines. Sanders will now be a part of the best secondary in college football heading into the 2026 season joining players like Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, Adon Shuler, Tae Johnson, Colorado transfer DJ McKinney and others all lead by defensive backs coach Mike Mickens.
Sanders played in 12 games this season for the Michigan defense including the bowl game against Texas. As a true freshman, he played 303 snaps, was targeted 24 times, allowed 17 receptions and recorded one pass defended. The 6-1, 193-pound cornerback fits the mold of what Mickens looks for in the secondary. He's a long, instinctual football player that has good range. Some of his issues this past season are what we've seen from countless freshman defensive backs across the country.
The Kilgore, Texas native was a former four-star recruit according to On3/Rivals Industry rankings. He was the No. 176 player nationally, the No. 27 cornerback in the 2025 class and the No. 28 recruit in the state of Texas. He was also a Top 100 player in On3/Rivals transfer portal rankings and the No. 10 best cornerback in the portal.
Sanders played some of his best football in the biggest moments. He played 31 snaps against Oklahoma on the road as a true freshman and only allowed one catch for nine yards. He followed up that performance with another solid performance on the road against Nebraska in week four. The Cornhuskers targeted Sanders six times; he allowed four receptions for 28 yards and tallied a pass break up. He also recorded a career high eight total tackles against Nebraska on the road.
He also has experience playing on the road against USC, at home against Washington, on the road against Michigan State in a rivalry game and against Texas in a bowl game where he played 12 snaps. He's a solid tackler and uses his frame well. In his 303 defensive snaps played this season, Sanders only missed three tackles. The Texas native was also utilized on special teams and played 38 snaps on various coverage units including kickoff coverage, punt return and field goal block.
Sanders is a strong addition to an already strong defensive back room. His ability in coverage along with his abilities as a tackler in run support allows him to be utilized throughout the secondary. Mickens has a proven track record in getting the most out of his cornerbacks and safeties. After this portal window for the Irish, many were questioning their level of depth for 2026. The addition of Sanders, along with the addition of McKinney from Colorado, will put many minds at ease.
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