Notre Dame Tight End Eli Raridon’s Time Has Finally Arrived as He Prepares to Anchor Offense in 2025 Season Surge

When Eli Raridon first arrived in South Bend, he was widely regarded as one of the most promising tight ends in the country. A legacy recruit and the son of former Notre Dame offensive lineman Scott Raridon, Eli brought with him elite athleticism, length, and a deep understanding of what it means to wear the blue and gold. Yet, due to an unfortunate string of injuries, fans have only caught brief glimpses of the potential that had recruiting analysts and coaches buzzing. That’s about to change.

Now healthy, confident, and more experienced, Raridon is poised to become a breakout star for the Fighting Irish in the 2025 season. Head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock believe the 6-foot-6, 250-pound junior will be a cornerstone of the Irish offense as they attempt to take the next step toward a College Football Playoff appearance.

Early Hype, Delayed Impact

Coming out of Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa, Raridon was ranked as a four-star recruit and the No. 4 tight end nationally in the 2022 class. His commitment to Notre Dame in the summer of 2021 was met with celebration — another win for the “Tight End U” reputation the Irish have cultivated for decades.

But after enrolling early and showing flashes in spring practice, Raridon tore his ACL before his freshman campaign. It was his second ACL injury in two years — a cruel twist of fate that derailed what was expected to be a fast track to early playing time.

Rather than pout, Raridon doubled down on rehab. “I knew what it took the first time,” he said in a spring interview. “It was mentally tougher the second time, but I also knew what I was capable of on the other side.”

Earning His Stripes

In 2023 and 2024, Raridon returned to the field in a limited capacity, playing behind All-American Mitchell Evans and sophomore Holden Staes. While he contributed mostly in run-blocking situations and special packages, his presence was felt in the locker room and in the weight room, where he quietly became a leader.

“He’s one of those guys that just goes about his business the right way,” said offensive line coach Joe Rudolph. “Never complains, always working. That kind of mindset is contagious.”

Now, with Evans in the NFL and Staes transferring to Tennessee after the 2024 season, Raridon has become the veteran voice in the tight end room. And the Irish staff is ready to unleash him.

The Fit in Denbrock’s Offense

Mike Denbrock, who returned to Notre Dame in 2024 after a stint at LSU, has long been known for creative use of tight ends. During his time in Baton Rouge, he helped mold Mason Taylor into one of the SEC’s most versatile pass-catchers. Back at Notre Dame, Denbrock plans to use Raridon in a similar role — as both an in-line blocker and as a dynamic receiver in space.

“He’s the total package,” Denbrock said this spring. “He’s long, physical, has soft hands, and he can stretch the seam. When you have a tight end like that, it opens up everything else.”

Raridon agrees. “Coach Denbrock has been great at tailoring the offense to our strengths,” he said. “I feel comfortable in every role — I can be on the line, in motion, or split out wide. We’re going to keep defenses guessing.”

Leadership and Legacy

Raridon’s roots at Notre Dame run deep. His father played on the offensive line during the Lou Holtz era in the 1990s, and his grandfather, Jack Raridon, was a lineman for Iowa State. That football pedigree shows in Eli’s attention to detail and work ethic.

“He’s the kind of guy who knows the standard here,” said Freeman. “He doesn’t need to be told what it means to represent this program. He lives it every day.”

That legacy mindset has rubbed off on younger players. Incoming freshman tight end Jack Larsen said Raridon has been “like a big brother,” helping him adjust to the playbook, weight room expectations, and the Notre Dame culture.

“He’s the quiet leader,” Larsen said. “But when he speaks, everybody listens.”

NFL Potential

With a healthy 2025 season, NFL scouts will be paying close attention to Raridon. His frame, hands, and football IQ make him a Day 2 prospect if he can stay healthy and produce consistently. Some draft analysts already have him on their early 2026 big boards.

“He’s the prototypical modern tight end,” said ESPN’s Matt Miller. “The only reason he’s not a household name yet is because of the injuries. If he puts together a strong year, he’ll skyrocket.”

Notre Dame has a long history of tight ends transitioning to the pros — Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, Cole Kmet, and Michael Mayer, to name a few. Raridon has the skill set to join that list, but he’s not focused on that just yet.

“Of course, I want to play at the next level,” he said. “But right now, my focus is on helping this team win. Everything else will come if I take care of business here.”

Irish Expectations in 2025

Notre Dame enters the 2025 season with high expectations. After a 10-3 finish in 2024, capped by a dominant bowl win over USC, Marcus Freeman’s program is inching closer to becoming a legitimate CFP contender. With quarterback CJ Carr entering his second year, a loaded backfield, and a seasoned offensive line, the pieces are in place for an explosive offense — and Raridon is a major part of that equation.

“Eli’s going to be a mismatch nightmare,” said Carr. “Defenses won’t know if we’re running or passing when he’s on the field. That’s what makes him special.”

The Irish open the season with a primetime showdown against Texas A&M, followed by matchups with Michigan State, Stanford, and Ohio State. A strong start could vault Notre Dame into the national conversation — and Raridon into the spotlight.

Faith, Family, and Focus

Off the field, Raridon is known for his humility and strong faith. He often cites his support system — family, teammates, and coaches — as the reason he made it through two brutal rehabs and stayed committed to the grind.

“I never lost sight of why I came here,” he said. “To grow as a man, a student, and a football player. I’ve had to be patient, but now I’m ready.”

As the Irish prepare for fall camp, there’s a quiet buzz around Raridon’s emergence. Coaches, teammates, and fans all sense that his time — long anticipated — has finally come.

And if his play matches the promise, Eli Raridon might just be the next great Notre Dame tight end to leave his mark on the program and the NFL.