Remembering Jeremy Ioane: Boise State Legend and Symbol of Resilience
The Boise State football community is mourning the loss of former safety Jeremy Ioane, a standout athlete and a member of the 2014 Fiesta Bowl championship-winning team. Beyond his athletic achievements, Ioane became a symbol of strength and perseverance for “Bronco Nation” through his public battle with kidney disease.
A Distinguished Career on the Field
A native of Honolulu, Hawai’i, Ioane played for Boise State from 2010 to 2014. Over the course of his collegiate career, he appeared in 41 games with 29 starts, recording 146 tackles and five interceptions. He was a key contributor to four bowl-winning teams during his tenure.
Ioane’s rise in the Broncos’ secondary was marked by consistent improvement and recognition:
- 2011: Made his first collegiate start against Georgia as a redshirt freshman.
- 2012: Earned All-Mountain West Honorable Mention honors.
- 2013: Named to the All-Mountain West Second Team after starting 25 of 26 games across the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
- 2014: Entered his final season as a preseason candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back.
Battling Kidney Disease: The #10aneStrong Movement
While excelling on the field, Ioane faced a grueling health struggle. He battled kidney disease throughout his college career, a challenge that became public during his senior season in 2014. The severity of the illness required him to undergo dialysis treatments while still attempting to compete.
Although he started the first three games of the 2014 season, the disease forced him into a reserve role for the remainder of the year. Despite these limitations, he contributed 11 tackles and two interceptions, with his final tackle occurring on Senior Night against Utah State.
His resilience sparked the #10aneStrong movement. Boise State fans wore shirts featuring the hashtag and his jersey number, 10, to display their support for Ioane during his final season.
Recovery and Transplantation
Following his senior year, Ioane sought a permanent solution to his health struggles. In May 2015, he underwent a kidney transplant surgery. The procedure was made possible by his twin sister, Jasmine, who served as the organ donor.
A Lasting Legacy in Boise
Jeremy Ioane’s impact extended beyond his statistics and his health battle. He served as an inspiration for athletes from his home state, helping to bridge the gap between Hawai’i and Boise, Idaho. Since Ioane joined the program in 2010, Boise State has featured at least one player from Hawai’i on its roster every single season.
Key Takeaways: The Life of Jeremy Ioane
- Athletic Success: A vital part of the 2014 Fiesta Bowl championship team and four bowl-winning squads.
- Medical Perseverance: Continued playing football while undergoing dialysis for kidney disease.
- Family Support: Received a life-saving kidney transplant from his twin sister, Jasmine, in 2015.
- Program Influence: Paved the way for a continuous pipeline of Hawaiian athletes to join Boise State football.
Boise State Athletics announced Ioane’s passing on Saturday, April 4, 2026. While the program has not confirmed if his death was a direct result of his previous health struggles, his legacy of courage and tenacity remains a permanent part of the university’s history.