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Newsstand: TE Eli Raridon pens heartfelt goodbye message to Notre Dame

IMG_7504by: Jack Soble12/19/25jacksoble56

Out of eligibility after the 2025 season, senior tight end Eli Raridon declared for the NFL Draft with a goodbye message to Notre Dame on Instagram.

Here’s what Raridon wrote:

“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for watching over me this season and blessing me with the ability to play the game I love. All the glory and honor goes to him!

“I also want to thank the University of Notre Dame for challenging me, pushing me, and helping me grow as both a player and a person. To Coach Freeman — thank you for believing in me, recruiting me, and giving me the opportunity to live out my dream here. And a huge thank-you to our strength staff and trainers for all the support and work you’ve put into me over the years.

“To my wife, Anna, thank you for your endless sacrifices, support, and belief in me over these last few years. And thank you to my family for the love, support, and sacrifices you’ve made for me to chase this path.

“Growing up a Notre Dame fan, getting to play here has truly been a dream come true. The brotherhood, the friendships, and the people in this program have meant the world to me.

“With that being said, I’m officially declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft. I’m excited for the next chapter and ready to give everything I have into this opportunity.

“Thank you, Irish Nation, for everything!
“Eli Raridon”

In his lone season starting at tight end for the Irish, Raridon caught 32 passes for 482 yards (15.1 yards per reception). He’s projected to be one of the top tight ends off the board, and he could hear his name called as early as Day 2 in April.

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“It’s hard not to salivate and think about what could have been if Charles [Jagusah] hadn’t gotten injured this offseason. And you’ve got him and Guerby Lambert to build around as the young pillars on that offensive line. I mean, just physical freak shows, the things those guys are capable of.

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— Former Notre Dame offensive lineman and “The Echoes” podcast host Mike Golic Jr.

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