The Mitchell Evans era with Notre Dame football has come to an end, as he has officially declared for the NFL draft. Now, it’s time for the next player to step up.
The tight end is coming back for his sixth season in South Bend and is determined to prove he can be the leader, not just the backup.
It was confirmed late last week that he will be returning for one more season with Notre Dame football. This isn’t just about the tight end getting another shot at success; it also means the Fighting Irish won’t have to worry about filling the starting tight end position as they aim for a return to the National Title Game in 2025.
There was originally some doubt as to weather Bauman would be back. He wasn’t on the original release of the roster last week. Blue and Gold reports it contacted the university and had it confirmed the tight end is back for a sixth year.
Bauman brings a veteran presence to a tight end room that will soon need to focus on developing the next generation for “Tight End U.” He came in as part of the 2020 recruiting class alongside Michael Mayer. Bauman has used both a medical redshirt and the COVID waiver for the 2020 season, making him a sixth-year senior.
While Mayer set the standard for tight ends in South Bend, Bauman’s career has been hampered by injuries, including two torn ACLs—one in each knee. He missed all of the 2023 season due to one of those injuries.
However, Bauman made his return in 2024, playing through the full season. Unfortunately, a struggling passing game and a crowded tight end room limited his opportunities. He finished the season with just one catch for 8 yards, a touchdown in the blowout win over Purdue. Over the course of his career, he has recorded 6 catches for 67 yards and that single score.
In 2025, Kevin Bauman will have the chance to compete with Cooper Flanagan and Eli Raridon for the starting tight end position on the Notre Dame football team. With his talent, he has the potential to earn the spot and become the next player to lead the position.
Leave a Reply