Skip to main content
SI

Idaho’s Jace Malek dies of cancer

Idaho student assistant coach Jace Malek has died, one year after being diagnosed with bone cancer, the school announced Sunday.
Idaho’s Jace Malek dies of cancer
Idaho’s Jace Malek dies of cancer

Idaho student assistant coach Jace Malek has died, one year after being diagnosed with bone cancer, the school announced Sunday.

Malek, a high school fullback, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma one week before National Signing Day last February but Idaho honored its commitment to give Malek a scholarship. When the disease forced doctors to amputate his right leg in July, Malek joined the team’s coaching staff. 

College Football Bracket Challenge

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

SI.com’s Zac Ellis wrote about Malek’s battle with cancer in October.

Malek was from Spokane, Wash., and went to West Valley High School, where he also posted a 101–8 record as a wrestler.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Published | Modified
SI Wire
SI WIRE

Delivering breaking sports news in real time.