“Freaky year” ahead for Notre Dame football tight end Eli Raridon? That’s the hope—expect big plays and impact.

As the 2025 football season approaches, all eyes are turning toward the Notre Dame football team, especially the tight end position, where Eli Raridon is poised to make a huge impact. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and natural playmaking ability, Raridon is one of the most exciting players on the team, and the buzz surrounding him suggests that he is on the cusp of a breakout season. If all goes according to plan, this could be a “freaky year” for the young tight end, and it’s not just hype—it’s based on tangible development and expectations.

Raridon’s journey to this point has been full of promise and potential. As a highly touted recruit out of high school, he was one of the most highly regarded tight end prospects in the country. After committing to Notre Dame, he joined a program rich in tradition and steeped in expectations. Now, as he heads into his sophomore season, he’s on the verge of becoming one of the premier players in the tight end position across the entire college football landscape.

The phrase “freaky year” isn’t just about the usual highlight-reel catches or impressive yardage totals. It’s about Raridon making an impact on every aspect of the game. It’s about creating mismatches, dominating the middle of the field, and providing quarterback Sam Hartman with a reliable target in critical situations. It’s about turning what would normally be a decent season into something extraordinary. And as we break down why 2025 is shaping up to be such a special year for Raridon, we have to look at his skill set, his growth within the Notre Dame offense, and the supporting pieces around him.

A Standout Recruit

Coming out of high school, Eli Raridon was no stranger to high expectations. A four-star recruit from the state of Iowa, Raridon was regarded as one of the top tight ends in the country. At 6’6″ and 240 pounds, he combined size and athleticism in a way that made him a matchup nightmare for defenders. His ability to stretch the field as a pass-catcher and his physicality in the run game made him a dual-threat, someone capable of changing the game both as a blocker and a receiver.

His recruitment to Notre Dame was a big deal. Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker were looking to build a potent offense that could compete for national championships, and the addition of a player like Raridon was a key piece in that vision. His versatility and natural football IQ made him a perfect fit for the Fighting Irish system.

But while the expectations were sky-high when he arrived on campus, Raridon’s early career wasn’t without its challenges. Like many young players, he faced the adjustment period of transitioning from high school to college football. The speed of the game was different, and he had to refine his skills and improve his physicality in order to compete at the highest level. However, Raridon’s work ethic and determination allowed him to weather the learning curve and gain valuable experience in his first year. His contributions in 2024 weren’t game-changing, but they were promising. As a freshman, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, showing his potential to become a dominant force in the Notre Dame offense.

An Offseason of Development

One of the most exciting aspects of Raridon’s potential breakout season in 2025 is the growth he’s shown during the offseason. After spending his freshman year adjusting to the demands of college football, Raridon has had the chance to focus on honing his craft, refining his route-running, blocking technique, and becoming more of a weapon in the passing game.

His work with position coaches and strength staff has been nothing short of impressive. Coaches have raved about Raridon’s growth, particularly his understanding of the game and his ability to run more precise routes. Tight ends are often asked to do a little bit of everything, from blocking in the running game to being a security blanket in the passing game, and Raridon is excelling in both areas. His ability to create separation from defenders, particularly in the middle of the field, has been one of the most significant improvements in his game. Additionally, his ball-catching skills have become more refined, and his ability to track the ball in the air has improved dramatically.

Not only has his route-running gotten sharper, but his conditioning has improved as well. Raridon has worked tirelessly on his footwork, agility, and strength, ensuring that he’s able to match up against defenders no matter their size or skill set. With another year of college strength training, his frame has become more developed and powerful, allowing him to play more physically and stand his ground against bigger, more experienced players.

For a tight end, it’s not just about being a physical specimen—it’s about being a complete player. As Raridon works toward this, he’s becoming more well-rounded in all aspects of his game. Coaches have noticed his ability to learn quickly and apply those lessons in practice, making him a player who is prepared for the big moments.

The Offensive System: A Perfect Fit

Under offensive coordinator Gerad Parker, the Notre Dame offense has evolved into a more dynamic and versatile system. Parker, who took over as offensive coordinator in 2024, has made a conscious effort to utilize his tight ends in more varied ways—something that plays directly into Raridon’s strengths.

In previous years, Notre Dame has leaned heavily on a run-first offense, but with the arrival of quarterback Sam Hartman, the team is poised to take a more balanced approach. Hartman’s ability to spread the field with his arm opens up new opportunities for the tight end position, and Raridon stands to benefit greatly from this. With Hartman under center, Raridon will likely see more opportunities in the passing game. Whether it’s running seam routes down the middle of the field, catching short passes in the flat, or making key red zone catches, Raridon will have plenty of chances to make his mark.

Additionally, with a more open offensive scheme that prioritizes versatility, Raridon could be used in a number of different roles. In the past, tight ends have been predominantly utilized as blockers in Notre Dame’s power-running schemes, but in 2025, Raridon could be moved around the formation, lined up in different spots, and asked to create mismatches against defenders. His size and athleticism make him a problem for linebackers and defensive backs alike, and Notre Dame’s offensive system seems tailor-made for Raridon to flourish.

The Role of Leadership and Mentorship

As Raridon prepares for his sophomore season, it’s clear that leadership will play an important role in his development. While he may still be a relatively young player in the grand scheme of things, he’s already gaining the trust and respect of his teammates and coaches. As one of the more promising players on the roster, Raridon is stepping into a leadership role, not just by setting an example on the field, but by mentoring younger players who look up to him.

Having seen the dedication of upperclassmen before him, Raridon is now in a position to pass on that wisdom to incoming freshmen and other younger players. Tight end is a position that requires a balance of mental and physical toughness, and Raridon’s ability to lead by example—both in the weight room and on the practice field—will be key to the development of the team as a whole.

Expectations for 2025: A “Freaky” Year

So, what can fans expect from Eli Raridon in 2025? If all goes according to plan, it’s shaping up to be a “freaky” year—one where Raridon plays a pivotal role in Notre Dame’s offensive attack. With his natural talent, the work he’s put in over the offseason, and the evolution of the offense, Raridon is primed to have a season that puts him on the national radar.

Expect Raridon to make big plays, both in the passing game and in key moments where he can shift the momentum of a game. Whether it’s catching a critical third-down pass, making a spectacular touchdown grab, or coming through with a clutch block to spring a running back free, Raridon will be involved in all aspects of the offense.

His chemistry with Sam Hartman will be essential in getting the most out of his abilities. As Hartman becomes more comfortable with his new team, the connection between quarterback and tight end will be something to watch, as Raridon will likely be one of Hartman’s go-to targets in critical situations. The team will rely on Raridon to be a reliable safety valve—someone who can move the chains and create big plays when the offense needs a spark.