In 2025, Notre Dame is looking for offensive production from their new upperclassman tight end after Mitchell Evans was drafted by the Carolina Panthers. The senior tight end from Des Moines, Iowa, Eli Raridon, looks prepared to fill that position and should not go unnoticed in this iteration of the Irish offense.
It was not always easy for Raridon, especially in the early years of his Irish career. In 2022, Raridon started in five games before suffering two ACL tears in 10 months that would keep him on the sidelines for the rest of that season and early into his sophomore season. Even while enduring this injury, the freshman refused to quit. After committing to rehab for both tears, he is now entering his fourth season in blue and gold with something to prove.
After fully recovering, Raridon returned to the field looking for a fresh start to his football career. He made his first appearance midway through his sophomore year, taking the field in a week seven matchup against then-No. 25 ranked Louisville on Oct. 7, 2023. He rounded out the 2023 season, appearing in seven games and starting the final three. Raridon finished the year with a total of five receptions (10.2 yards per reception) and 51 yards (7.3 yards per game).
After making a full recovery heading into the 2024 season, Raridon had the preparation of a full offseason behind him. While not being the starter in every one, Raridon competed in all 16 games for the Irish as a junior, starting in three of them. He finished the season tallying up 90 yards (5.6 yards per game), 11 receptions (8.2 receptions per game) and a pair of touchdowns.
Now a senior, Raridon has outdone his production from past years with the Irish in only one contest. In the season opener against Miami, sophomore quarterback and first-time starter C.J. Carr relied on Raridon most among his many pass-catchers, targeting the senior a team-high nine times. He used those targets to lead all Irish players in production, managing 97 yards on five receptions, including his longest reception so far in his career of 65 yards. Despite struggling early with some drops, he flashed his big-play ability in the pass game.
Raridon is at the top of the depth chart once again for the home opener against Texas A&M. He will expect to play in a key role for much of the season, as no other tight end saw the field against Miami, barring a single snap for junior transfer Ty Washington. He will be joined by a plethora of offensive options, some of whom will contribute as returners to the team, while others will play in only their second game in an Irish uniform.
Being one of the older and more experienced players, even with his early career injuries, it is important that Raridon helps to guide the younger players who have stepped into greater roles this season. He did not feature heavily in last year’s game against Texas A&M but this year he will need to contribute significantly to ensure that the Irish come out victorious in the rematch. An efficient pass game is vital for establishing the run, something Notre Dame failed to do two Sundays ago. If Raridon continues to emerge as the receiving option he was against the Hurricanes, this Irish offense could reach a new level, especially through the air.
Excitement surrounds the Notre Dame campus as they prepare for the first home game of 2025 and what should be considered a must-win against Texas A&M on Sept. 13. Raridon will see if he can answer the call in Notre Dame Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
