Aidan O’Connell, Purdue’s star quarterback, is back with the team after mourning the loss of his older brother, Sean. He had spent some time off to be with his family but is ready to get back into it ahead of the Boilermaker’s B1G Championship matchup with Michigan.

“He’s been with us ever since,” head coach Jeff Brohm said while announcing O’Connell returned to the team Wednesday. “He understands what we’re trying to do. I think while it’s rough, it’s therapeutic for him to be around his buddies and teammates.”

O’Connell is dealing with this tragedy while Purdue is preparing for its first-ever title game. Teammates and opponents alike have come to his aid. The Michigan faithful came together and put in $16 donations in honor of O’Connell’s brother ahead of this weekend’s matchup.

Now, O’Connell looks to keep his brother in his heart as he and his squad look to shock the world on Saturday.