Notre Dame TE Kevin Bauman reflects on Sugar Bowl moment, facing brother in 2025 opener
For Notre Dame tight end Kevin Bauman, the Sugar Bowl was an unforgettable moment in his college career. The atmosphere, the fans, the stakes, and the intensity of playing on such a big stage—all of these factors contributed to an experience that would stay with him for a lifetime. As he prepares for the 2025 season opener, there’s another moment that looms large in his mind: facing off against his brother, who plays for an opponent to be determined. It’s an intriguing storyline that adds another layer to the season’s anticipation. In this interview, Kevin reflects on his career at Notre Dame, his emotions during the Sugar Bowl, and the prospect of lining up against his brother on the field.
The Sugar Bowl Moment
Kevin Bauman’s first season at Notre Dame was a whirlwind, filled with highs, lows, and the natural learning curve of transitioning from high school football to the collegiate level. However, the 2024 Sugar Bowl—a pivotal game for the Fighting Irish—offered a rare and special moment in his young career.
The matchup against a powerhouse opponent wasn’t just about playing on a national stage; it was about proving themselves as a team. Notre Dame had been consistently solid throughout the 2024 season, but the Sugar Bowl provided them with an opportunity to showcase their talent on a grand stage. Bauman had spent the week leading up to the game doing his best to stay focused, but when the game started, the nerves of playing in a major bowl game melted away.
“It’s funny,” Kevin says, reflecting on his mindset during the Sugar Bowl. “You think you’ll be nervous, especially in a setting like that. But once you step on the field, it’s just football. You get in the zone, and all that noise fades away. The only thing that matters is executing your job and being there for your teammates.”
For Bauman, it wasn’t just about the big plays or the spectacular moments, although there were a few of those. It was about how the team came together. With the game on the line and the stakes as high as ever, he felt the weight of tradition and the responsibility of wearing the Notre Dame jersey.
“Every game feels like it’s more than just a game here at Notre Dame,” Bauman admits. “It’s about representing a legacy. It’s not always easy to put that into words, but when you’re out there and you know your teammates are all in for the same goal, there’s something special about that.”
The Fighting Irish managed to secure a hard-fought victory, and Bauman’s contributions were significant. Whether it was blocking to create space for the run game or making key catches in critical situations, Kevin played a major role in the victory. But when the clock hit zero and the team had won the Sugar Bowl, it wasn’t the stats that mattered most to him.
“It was just an amazing feeling,” he reflects. “The Sugar Bowl is a huge deal in college football, and to be able to say we came out on top in that game—that was something I’ll never forget. The emotions were high, and the team spirit was unbelievable.”
That victory didn’t just mark the end of a successful 2024 campaign; it set the stage for the next chapter of Bauman’s career.
Facing His Brother in 2025 Opener
As if the drama and significance of the Sugar Bowl weren’t enough, Kevin Bauman is now preparing for something even more personal in the 2025 season opener. For the first time in his career, he’ll face his brother, who also plays at the collegiate level.
“This one’s definitely a little more emotional,” Kevin admits with a chuckle. “We’ve always been on the same side growing up, playing in the backyard, training together. To have to line up across from him on the field—it’s definitely going to be a strange feeling.”
While Kevin’s brother’s team hasn’t been officially revealed as of yet, the anticipation has already begun to build. The media buzz surrounding this storyline has been growing, as fans and sports media outlets are eager to see how this sibling rivalry unfolds. For Kevin, however, the game isn’t about competing against his brother, though it’s undoubtedly a factor.
“Obviously, I want to win,” he says, his voice firming up with the competitive edge that has helped him reach this point in his career. “But, at the end of the day, we both know what this means. It’s something we’ve both dreamed about for years. It’s a chance to represent our schools, our families, and show what we’re made of on the biggest stage.”
Despite the inevitable buildup, Kevin acknowledges that the reality of the situation will be emotionally charged. It’s a game where two people who have shared so much of their lives will suddenly be on opposing sides. Yet, there’s also a sense of mutual respect that both brothers share, something that transcends the game itself.
“We’ve always pushed each other to be better,” Kevin explains. “Growing up, we were always training together, whether it was in the gym or just running routes outside. So there’s that respect there. But we also know what it means to play for our respective teams. Once we step on the field, it’s all business.”
Bauman adds that he anticipates a bit of trash talk leading up to the game, but he’s also looking forward to the memories that will come from the experience. After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for two brothers who both found their way to the college football spotlight.
“I can already hear it now,” Kevin says with a smile. “It’ll be a little friendly competition. But at the end of the day, we’re family. I’m sure we’ll both be talking about this game for years.”
The emotions will likely reach a peak when the game kicks off. But it’s not just about the two brothers competing against each other—it’s about the shared journey that got them both here.
“We’ve been through a lot together,” Kevin continues. “There’s a lot of sacrifices that come with being an athlete at this level, and we’ve supported each other through it all. It’s going to be a really cool moment for both of us. No matter what happens, we’ll both be proud of each other.”
The Road Ahead
Looking beyond the 2025 season opener, Kevin Bauman’s journey at Notre Dame is far from over. The 2024 Sugar Bowl victory served as a launching point for a career that will likely continue to evolve and unfold in exciting ways. Kevin has always prided himself on his versatility—whether it’s making catches, blocking for teammates, or creating mismatches with defenders. As he approaches his junior year, there’s a palpable sense of growth in his game, and he’s eager to take on new challenges.
“I’m always trying to improve,” Bauman says when asked about his growth as a player. “Every year I learn something new, whether it’s from the coaches, the players, or just the experiences I’ve had. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a player, and hopefully contribute more in every way I can for the team.”
The 2025 season is shaping up to be an important one for both Kevin and Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish will be looking to build off their Sugar Bowl victory and prove that they’re a perennial contender in the college football playoff race. Bauman is ready to embrace the role that comes with being one of the team’s leaders, a role he’s naturally assuming as one of the veterans on the squad.
“I feel like I’ve been here long enough now to know what it takes to be successful,” Kevin says with quiet confidence. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help this team reach its goals. Whether that’s making a catch, helping in the run game, or just being a leader in the locker room, I’m ready for it all.”
As for the 2025 opener against his brother? It’s a moment Kevin will never forget, regardless of the outcome. With both players heading into a pivotal season, the competition, the rivalry, and the familial bond will be on full display for fans around the country.
In the end, whether on the field in New Orleans or in the living room with their family, Kevin and his brother know that their paths in football are just beginning—and no matter where that road takes them, they’ll always have each other.
