As Notre Dame gears up to face Penn State in the highly anticipated Orange Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinals, all eyes will be on their kicker, Mitch Jeter. This talented athlete, a transfer from South Carolina, has proven to be a crucial asset for the Fighting Irish. So far in the CFP, he has successfully converted five of his six field goal attempts, including a perfect three-for-three performance against Georgia in the last game. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, Jeter’s role could be pivotal in determining Notre Dame’s fate.
Who is Mitch Jeter?
Mitch Jeter is not just any kicker; he’s a player with a unique background and an impressive skill set. Hailing from Salisbury, North Carolina, Jeter attended high school in Concord, where he initially dabbled in soccer before committing fully to football. His journey took him to South Carolina, where he chose to play for the Gamecocks over other offers from Furman and East Carolina. This decision would eventually pave the way for his current success at Notre Dame.
Stats that Speak Volumes
Jeter’s statistics tell a compelling story of his development as a kicker. Here’s a quick look at his performance over the years:
| Year | School | Games | FGM | FGA | FG% | XPM | XPA | XP% |
| 2020 | South Carolina | 9 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2021 | South Carolina | 12 | 0 | 0 | N/A | 2 | 2 | 100% |
| 2022 | South Carolina | 13 | 11 | 11 | 100% | 42 | 44 | 95.5% |
| 2023 | South Carolina | 12 | 12 | 14 | 85.7% | 33 | 34 | 97.1% |
| 2024 | Notre Dame | 12 | 11 | 18 | 61.1% | 50 | 50 | 100% |
In his time at South Carolina, Jeter emerged as a reliable kicker, missing only two field goals and three extra points over two seasons. His accuracy and consistency made him a sought-after player in the transfer portal, leading him to Notre Dame, where he continues to showcase his talent.
Is There a Connection to Derek Jeter?
As Mitch Jeter steps into the national spotlight, fans have been quick to draw comparisons to another famous athlete: MLB Hall-of-Famer Derek Jeter. With the last name “Jeter” being relatively uncommon, many have speculated about a possible connection. However, despite the shared surname, there is no familial relation between the two. Mitch’s parents, Andrew and Stacy Jeter, hail from North Carolina, while Derek’s family is rooted in New Jersey and Michigan.
The Journey to Notre Dame
Jeter’s path to Notre Dame has been marked by determination and hard work. After showing promise at South Carolina, he made the decision to transfer, seeking new opportunities and challenges. His decision has paid off, as he has already made a significant impact on the Fighting Irish’s season. While he has faced some challenges with field goal attempts this season, his perfect record on extra points highlights his reliability when it matters most.
What’s Next for Mitch Jeter?
As the Orange Bowl approaches, the pressure will be on Jeter to deliver in critical moments. Will he rise to the occasion and help lead Notre Dame to victory? With his track record and experience, there’s every reason to believe he can handle the heat. The Fighting Irish will undoubtedly be counting on him to make those crucial kicks that could turn the tide of the game.
In the world of college football, kickers often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Yet, as we’ve seen with Mitch Jeter, they can be game-changers. As he steps into the spotlight, fans will be watching closely, eager to see if he can add to his impressive resume and help Notre Dame secure a spot in the national championship conversation. The excitement is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher!
