Mitch Jeter is going from an unknown to a major star after kicking the game-winner for Notre Dame in its College Football Playoff semifinal victory over Penn State on Thursday in the Orange Bowl.
Naturally, Jeter’s last name and clutch ability will draw comparisons to someone with the same surname who made big plays in big moments: Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.
The Fighting Irish will take on the winner of No. 8 Ohio State-No. 5 Texas in the national championship game on Jan. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, after Mitch Jeter connected on a 41-yard field goal with 7 seconds left.
In the meantime, fans are likely to wonder if the two clutch Jeters share any relations. Here’s what you need to know:
Is Mitch Jeter related to Yankees great Derek Jeter?
No. Despite sharing the same last name, Mitch Jeter has no relation to Derek Jeter. The former shortstop is a Baseball Hall of Famer after his 20-year playing career with the New York Yankees. Jeter won five World Series with the Yankees in a career that spanned from 1995 to 2014.
Mitch Jeter is a senior for Notre Dame football who hails from Cannon High School in Salisbury, South Carolina. He started his collegiate career at South Carolina before transferring to Notre Dame as a graduate student ahead of the 2024 season.
Who are Mitch Jeter’s parents?
According to The Salisbury Post, Mitch’s parents are Andrew and Stacy Jeter. The couple met while they were students at East Carolina. Interestingly, while the Pirates offered Mitch a scholarship, he opted to join the Gamecocks.
“I felt a good connection with the coaches at South Carolina and playing in the SEC will be awesome as well,” Mitch told the Salisbury Post when he signed. “The coaches, the facilities, and obviously, a great atmosphere. Playing in front of that many people will be one heck of a challenge, but I’ve always been one to challenge myself. I felt that South Carolina would do that for me — push me to be the best that I can be.”
Mitch Jeter stats
Here’s a look at Jeter’s stats at both South Carolina and Notre Dame:
2021 (South Carolina): 2-for-2 extra points
2022 (South Carolina): 11-for-11 field goals, 53 long; 42-of-44 extra points
2023 (South Carolina): 12-for-14 field goals, 51 long; 33-of-34 extra points
2024 (Notre Dame): 13-for-20 field goals; 48 long; 53-of-53 extra points