Jayden Cortell is a 5'11", 180-pound safety from San Diego, California, and the son of former Colorado State defensive back Ron Cortell (1985-88). Cortell attended Eastlake High School, where he recorded 84 tackles, seven interceptions, and a forced fumble as a senior, earning All-Section First Team honors. He played two seasons at San Diego Mesa College, tallying 26 tackles and two interceptions across nine games as a freshman in 2024, then adding 54 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore. Cortell joined Colorado State as a returning player in 2026 after missing the 2025 season due to injury.