The Boise, Idaho community and wider college football world are mourning the death of Jeremy Ioane, a former Boise State safety and Fiesta Bowl champion who passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 32.
Jeremy Ioane, originally from Honolulu, Hawai‘i, was a key part of the Boise State Broncos football program from 2010 to 2014. After redshirting his first year, he developed into a standout defensive player, earning All-Mountain West Honorable Mention in 2012 and Second Team honors in 2013, while also being named a preseason Jim Thorpe Award candidate in 2014.
Across his collegiate career, Ioane played in 41 games, starting 29, and recorded 146 tackles along with five interceptions. He was part of four bowl-winning teams, including the memorable 2014 Fiesta Bowl championship run, contributing to one of the most successful eras in program history.
What separated Ioane from most wasn’t just his performance, it was what he played through. During his time at Boise State, he battled kidney disease, undergoing dialysis treatments even while competing. Despite the toll, he continued to take the field, starting games in his senior season before transitioning to a reserve role as his condition worsened.
His fight became a rallying point for fans and teammates, captured in the message #10aneStrong, a tribute to his resilience and his No. 10 jersey. In 2015, he received a kidney transplant from his twin sister, Jasmine, a moment that underscored both his struggle and the support around him.
Beyond football, Ioane’s presence helped pave the way for future players from Hawai‘i in the program, leaving a cultural and personal impact that extended beyond the stat sheet.
Jeremy Ioane’s obituary reflects a life defined by perseverance, strength, and heart. Not just someone who played the game, but someone who kept fighting long after most people would’ve stepped away.