MicahJo Barnett Dies After Medical Emergency During William Jewell College's Game

William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died after suffering a medical emergency during his team's season opener against Fort Lewis College on Saturday, per the school and the NCAA's official website.

Barnett scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter to help give his team an early 7-0 lead. The medical emergency occurred on the sideline shortly thereafter. The game was stopped and then cancelled.

Barnett, a business administration major, had started his junior season. He led the Cardinals with 366 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2025.

William Jewell, which is located in Liberty, Missouri, is a Division II team that plays in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Barnett was a local star at Liberty North before arriving at William Jewell and helped his team win the Missouri Class 6 football state title in 2023.

William Jewell announced that a vigil would be held on the college's quad at 8 p.m. ET in Barnett and his family's honor, with announcements forthcoming on funeral arrangements when available.