Mitchell Evans Notre Dame TE: Rising Star in Fighting Irish’s Offensive Lineup

Mitchell Evans has emerged as one of the premier tight ends in college football during his time at Notre Dame. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior from Wadsworth, Ohio has shown remarkable versatility and athleticism that NFL scouts covet at the position. Evans ranks as the #8 tight end prospect for the NFL Draft and offers legitimate starter upside, especially in offensive schemes that prioritize multiple tight end sets.

His journey with the Fighting Irish hasn’t been without challenges. After joining Notre Dame as part of the 2021 recruiting class, Evans has developed into a reliable target in the passing game while also contributing as a blocker. His frame and skill set make him particularly valuable in today’s NFL, where tight ends who can both block and catch are increasingly rare.

Evans is expected to complete his college eligibility in 2025. His combination of size, speed (4.74 forty time), and receiving ability gives him a high ceiling at the next level, even if he still has areas of his game that need refinement before he hears his name called on draft day.

Early Life and High School Career

Mitchell Evans grew up in Wadsworth, Ohio, where he developed into a versatile athlete at Wadsworth High School before graduating in 2021. His impressive high school career showcased his exceptional athleticism and versatility.

High School Achievements

Evans turned heads during his senior year at Wadsworth High School in 2020, where he demonstrated his dual-threat abilities. As the starting quarterback, he put up impressive numbers, throwing for 23 touchdowns and accumulating 2,132 passing yards.

Before his senior campaign, Evans played tight end during his junior year, displaying his versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple positions. This adaptability would later serve him well at Notre Dame.

Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 260 pounds, Evans possessed the ideal frame for a tight end prospect. His combination of size, athleticism, and positional flexibility made him a coveted recruit.

High School Stats (Senior Year – 2020)

Position	Passing TDs	Passing Yards
Quarterback	23	2,132

Recruitment

Mitchell Evans’ path to Notre Dame wasn’t as straightforward as some blue-chip tight end prospects. His recruitment journey showcased his versatility as an athlete and demonstrated why the Fighting Irish coaching staff saw immense potential in the Ohio native.

Commitment to Notre Dame

Mitchell Evans committed to Notre Dame on July 31, 2020, as part of the 2021 recruiting class. The Wadsworth, Ohio native chose the Fighting Irish over several other programs that were actively recruiting him.

Evans was rated as a 3-star recruit according to 247 Sports. What made his recruitment interesting was that many schools were undecided about his best position at the collegiate level.

At 6-5.38, Evans had the size that Notre Dame coveted for their tight end position. His physical attributes clearly caught the attention of the Fighting Irish coaching staff who have a strong tradition of developing NFL-caliber tight ends.

Recruitment Stats

Evans’ recruiting profile showed promising measurables that hinted at his potential development. His frame and athletic ability made him an intriguing prospect despite not being among the highest-rated tight ends in his class.

Mitchell Evans Recruitment Profile:

Metric	Value
Height	6-5.38
National Rank	TE #22
State Rank	OH #20
Star Rating	⭐⭐⭐ (3-star)
Committed Date	July 31, 2020

Evans was ranked as the #22 tight end nationally and the #20 prospect in Ohio for the 2021 class. His recruitment wasn’t filled with five-star hype, but Notre Dame’s coaching staff identified qualities that aligned with their development model.

The Irish staff’s evaluation proved prescient, as Evans has since developed into a potential NFL draft prospect with an 82.1 rating and currently ranks as the #8 tight end for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Collegiate Career at Notre Dame

Mitchell Evans has developed into a standout tight end for the Fighting Irish, showing consistent growth in his receiving skills and becoming a valuable offensive weapon. His progression from a backup role to a key contributor highlights Notre Dame’s tradition of developing elite tight ends.

Freshman Year Highlights

Evans made an immediate impact during his rookie season at Notre Dame, appearing in all 13 games. Though primarily serving in a backup role behind Michael Mayer, Evans began showing flashes of his potential.

The 6’5″, 248-pound tight end recorded 2 receptions for 21 yards, establishing a foundation for his collegiate career. His debut came against Florida State on September 5, marking his first action in a Fighting Irish uniform.

Evans’ freshman campaign was more about learning the system and developing fundamentals than statistical production. He displayed good blocking skills and showed promise in limited receiving opportunities.

Sophomore Year Development

Evans continued his growth in his second season, again playing behind NFL-bound Michael Mayer. Across his first two years, Evans appeared in 20 games as a backup tight end.

His receiving numbers showed modest improvement, finishing with 5 receptions for 60 yards and scoring his first collegiate touchdown. This production demonstrated Evans’ developing role in the Notre Dame passing attack.

The sophomore campaign was crucial for Evans’ development, as he gained valuable experience and continued to refine his route-running abilities. Coaches noted his improved blocking technique and growing confidence in the offensive scheme.

Year	Games	Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
2022	7	3	39	13.0	1
2023	13	29	422	14.6	1

Junior Year Performance

2023 marked Evans’ breakout season as he stepped into the starting tight end role following Mayer’s departure to the NFL. The junior became one of the primary receiving targets for the Fighting Irish.

Evans showed remarkable development, collecting 29 receptions for 422 yards and a touchdown. His 14.6 yards per catch average demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against defenders.

Midway through the season, Evans established himself as one of the top tight ends in college football. His combination of size, hands, and route-running ability made him a reliable target on critical downs.

NFL scouts began taking serious notice of Evans during this campaign, noting his pro-ready frame and improving technical skills.

Senior Year Prospects

As Evans enters his senior year in 2024, expectations are sky-high for the veteran tight end. Draft analysts project him as a potential day two selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, with room to climb into the first round with a standout final season.

The Notre Dame offense is expected to feature Evans heavily, capitalizing on his experience and proven production. Coaches have emphasized expanding his role in the red zone to increase his touchdown production.

Evans’ blocking skills combined with his receiving ability make him one of the most complete tight ends in college football. NFL teams are particularly interested in his versatility and consistency.

Health will be a key factor in his final collegiate season, as maintaining availability will be crucial for maximizing his draft position and helping the Fighting Irish compete for a playoff spot.

Statistical Overview

Mitchell Evans has established himself as a key tight end for Notre Dame, recording 43 receptions for 421 yards during the 2024 season. His consistent production and versatility make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for tight end talent.

Reception Analysis

Evans has developed into a reliable target in Notre Dame’s passing attack, hauling in 43 catches this season. The 6’5″, 260-pound tight end uses his imposing frame effectively to create separation and secure catches in traffic.

His reception total demonstrates his growing role in the offense and the trust quarterbacks have placed in him. Evans has shown particularly strong hands in short to intermediate routes, becoming a safety valve on crucial downs.

The Wadsworth, Ohio native displays good concentration when contested, rarely dropping catchable passes. His reception volume ranks him among the more productive tight ends in college football this season, highlighting his development as a pass-catcher.

Scoring Breakdown

Evans has found the end zone 3 times during the 2024 campaign, showcasing his red zone value. What makes his scoring profile intriguing is his dual-threat capability – he’s scored both through the air and on the ground.

Scoring Category	Total
Receiving TDs	3
Rushing TDs	1
Total TDs	4

His rushing touchdown came on one of his seven rushing attempts, demonstrating creative usage by Notre Dame’s offensive coaching staff. Evans converted five first downs on those carries, showing effectiveness in short-yardage situations.

Notable Games

Mitchell Evans has made his mark on Notre Dame football with several standout performances that showcased his skills as a tight end. His combination of size, hands, and football IQ has been on full display in key matchups throughout his Fighting Irish career.

Career-Defining Performances

Evans’ breakthrough game came during the 2022 Gator Bowl, where he demonstrated his potential as a receiving threat. Despite being early in his development, he showed flashes of his ceiling as a tight end prospect.

The most defining moment of Evans’ Notre Dame tenure came in the 2025 Sugar Bowl, where he emerged as a primary target in crucial situations. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and use his 6’5″ frame to box out defenders proved invaluable.

In Notre Dame’s victory over USC, Evans recorded 7 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, displaying his knack for getting open against man coverage. The performance raised eyebrows among NFL scouts who view him as a potential mid-round selection.

Record-Breaking Matches

Evans etched his name in the Notre Dame record books during the 2025 Orange Bowl with a remarkable 9-reception, 110-yard performance. This output represented the most productive bowl game by a Fighting Irish tight end in program history.

His statistical high-water mark came against Stanford when he hauled in 8 passes for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns. These numbers put him in elite company among Notre Dame tight ends.

Evans’ Top Statistical Performances

Opponent	Receptions	Yards	TDs
Stanford	8	92	2
Orange Bowl	9	110	1
USC	7	86	1
Ohio State	6	78	1

As one of eight semifinalists for the Mackey Award in 2024, Evans solidified his draft stock with consistent production in big games. NFL scouts project him as a 5th round selection, citing his reliable hands and improving blocking skills.

Professional Prospects

Mitchell Evans has positioned himself as one of the top tight end prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft through his performance at Notre Dame. His combination of size, receiving ability, and blocking skills has NFL scouts taking notice.

Draft Consideration

Evans is currently projected as a 5th round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with an overall ranking of #145 among all prospects and #8 among tight ends. Some analysts believe this projection understates his value, with at least one scout suggesting they “would have no problem taking Evans in the 2nd” round, indicating a significant range in his draft stock.

The Notre Dame tight end brings impressive measurables to the table that NFL teams covet. His path to the NFL is particularly noteworthy as he’ll likely become the first player from Wadsworth High School (Ohio) to be drafted into the NFL.

Skill Area	Rating	NFL Comparison
Deep Threat	83%	Solid
Blocking	63%	Serviceable
Overall Rank	#145	Mid-round prospect
Position Rank	#8	Top 10 TE

Scout Reviews

NFL scouts describe Evans as a “sturdy, reliable talent” who projects to thrive in the margins while filling numerous unsung hero roles at the professional level. His background as a high school quarterback has contributed to his football intelligence and versatility.

Evans spent his early Notre Dame career backing up Michael Mayer, recording just five total catches during that time before emerging as a significant contributor. This development curve suggests he may still have untapped potential that could make him a value pick.

Evaluators particularly appreciate his blocking improvement, though at 63% it remains an area for growth. His deep threat capability (83%) stands out as his greatest strength, making him an intriguing flex tight end prospect who could create mismatches in NFL passing games.

Public Image and Media Coverage

Mitchell Evans has cultivated a distinct public persona as Notre Dame’s standout tight end while attracting significant media attention during his journey toward the 2025 NFL Draft. His recovery from an ACL tear and subsequent performance have become focal points for sports analysts and fans alike.

Social Media Presence

Evans maintains a modest but growing social media footprint compared to other NFL prospects. His accounts primarily showcase his on-field accomplishments and training regimen rather than personal life details. This focused approach has helped him build a brand centered on work ethic and determination.

The tight end saw a notable spike in followers after his impressive performances following his ACL recovery. When fans search for Evans online, they often encounter the standard “consent” and “cookies” notifications from platforms like “Yahoo” that host his highlight reels.

Evans typically engages with Notre Dame’s dedicated fanbase through occasional behind-the-scenes content from team activities. His straightforward communication style resonates with scouts and supporters who appreciate authenticity over flashy presentations.

Press Coverage

Media outlets consistently highlight Evans as a standout in Notre Dame’s storied “Tight End U” tradition. 247Sports describes him as a promising prospect in their 2025 NFL Draft scouting report. They emphasize his technical skills and physical attributes.

Evans made headlines with his candid comments about personal disappointment following Notre Dame’s National Championship defeat. The Irish Star reported his heartfelt admission as he prepared to enter the NFL draft.

His pro day performance garnered significant attention when he expressed confidence about silencing doubters after his injury. Sports Illustrated noted his emergence as a dynamic receiving target at a crucial time for both his team and draft prospects.

Media Highlight	Publication	Key Focus
Draft Scouting Report	247Sports	Technical skills, NFL potential
Pro Day Coverage	YouTube/ND Media	Recovery journey, scout impressions
Comeback Story	Sports Illustrated	Timing of return, impact on offense