The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are gaining significant momentum, currently on a seven-game winning streak, the longest under head coach Marcus Freeman. Their recent 52-3 win against Florida State showcased growth on both offense and defense, featuring both new and familiar players.
All-American tight end Mitchell Evans had arguably his best performance of the season in this game, bouncing back from a severe injury in 2023 that had kept him largely sidelined. He recorded two receptions for 21 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season, though he had a 17-yard reception that was later ruled incomplete, showcasing his potential.
Although his statistics may not seem impressive, the key takeaway is that Evans appeared to be healthy. During a media session on Monday, Coach Freeman praised Evans, stating, “He played the best and most complete game of the year, excelling in both the running and passing plays. It was exciting to see him score and make significant catches, even the one that was ruled incomplete. That’s the Mitchell Evans we have been anticipating. He’s finally starting to return to form.”
If Evans is indeed back to full health and ready to perform at a higher level, it would be a huge boost for the Notre Dame offense. In 2023, despite his season being cut short, the 6-5, 260-pound tight end registered impressive numbers, with 29 receptions for 422 yards and a touchdown at an average of 14.6 yards per catch. This season, however, he has only tallied 18 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown. While his current output is significantly lower, the crucial question will be whether Evans can perform at his peak as the season progresses. When healthy, he ranks among the top tight ends in college football and would be a tremendous asset to the offense.
