As gears up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on the tight end position, a key spot for the Irish offense that is set to undergo a transformation. With Mitchell Evans heading to the NFL Draft, the team is left with a void that will need to be filled if they hope to continue their championship aspirations. For the first time in years, the Irish will need to rely on fresh faces and rising stars to take the reins and ensure the tight end group remains one of the team’s strongest assets.
The tight end position has long been a staple of Notre Dame’s offensive game plan. Over the years, players like Michael Mayer and Cole Kmet have dominated in this role, serving as reliable targets in the passing game while also contributing as effective blockers. With Evans’ departure, the team is looking for someone who can carry that legacy forward. But it’s not just about replacing one player—it’s about finding a collective effort to maintain the balance between blocking, receiving, and creating mismatches against defenses.
Enter Eli Raridon, the expected starter for the 2025 season. After a year of learning behind Evans, Raridon is now poised to become the focal point of Notre Dame’s tight end group. His ability to stretch the field as a pass catcher, combined with his solid blocking skills, makes him a potential game-changer for the offense. With the departure of Evans, all eyes will be on Raridon to see if he can rise to the challenge and establish himself as a true threat in the passing game.
But Raridon won’t be alone in this endeavor. Cooper Flanagan, who was expected to be the clear No. 2 tight end, had his season cut short by injury, leaving his return uncertain. That means Notre Dame will need other players to step up and fill the void. Jack Larsen, a standout freshman with incredible hands, could be a vital part of the offense. Meanwhile, transfer Ty Washington, who’s proven his mettle at Arkansas, offers valuable experience that could help him make an immediate impact.
As the 2025 season approaches, Notre Dame’s tight end room is filled with potential but also uncertainty. With the departure of a key player like Evans, the team will need a combination of experienced players and new faces to step in and ensure the offense continues to thrive. The journey of finding the next great tight end at Notre Dame begins now, and the pressure is on. Will Raridon and his teammates rise to the occasion and keep the Irish offense firing on all cylinders? Time will tell.
