The Notre Dame football program's tight ends have initiated the 2026 season with an impressive scoring streak, as James and Cooper Flanagan each secured touchdowns in the opening two contests. This early success signifies a notable change in offensive production from the tight end unit, which had previously experienced a drought in touchdown receptions spanning sixteen games. The revitalization of this position group underscores its critical contribution to the team's offensive strategy.
This current momentum contrasts sharply with the preceding period, where Notre Dame tight ends recorded only one touchdown reception over sixteen games, beginning with the 2024 College Football Playoff. That singular score was a four-yard catch by Arkansas transfer Ty Washington against Navy in November. Before this recent surge, the last instance of tight ends scoring in consecutive games was in November 2024, when Mitchell Evans and Cooper Flanagan contributed against Florida State and Virginia, respectively.
If a Notre Dame tight end manages to score in the upcoming game against Michigan State on September 19, it would signify the first three-game stretch with at least one touchdown from the position since September 2023. During that season, with quarterback Sam Hartman leading the offense, Holden Staes achieved a three-game scoring run against Tennessee State, North Carolina State, and Central Michigan. Additionally, Davis Sherwood also caught a touchdown pass at N.C. State. The program hasn't seen a four-game scoring streak from its tight ends since All-American Michael Mayer accomplished the feat in 2022.
Even the current two-game scoring streak at the start of the season is a rare occurrence, last seen when Michael Mayer began the 2021 season with touchdowns against Florida State and Toledo. Reflecting on past successes, Mayer, now in his fourth professional year, recently inked a substantial $45 million contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, including $30 million guaranteed. Cooper Flanagan, who inherited Mayer's No. 87 jersey, expressed his excitement for his predecessor's achievement, indicating a strong sense of camaraderie among the tight end group.
Further boosting the positive atmosphere surrounding Notre Dame's tight ends, Eli Raridon, despite not scoring in his final sixteen collegiate games, marked his NFL debut with a touchdown for the New England Patriots. Tight ends are fundamentally expected to be key offensive targets, especially in the red zone, due to their unique combination of size and athletic prowess. Flanagan explained that their effectiveness in the run game often creates opportunities for them in the passing game, as defenses may underestimate their receiving capabilities. Their robust physique and reliable hands make them invaluable assets near the goal line.
The early offensive burst has also involved strategic play-action calls. Flanagan's three-yard touchdown catch during Notre Dame's Green Bay homecoming marked the initial scoring play of the season for coach Mike Denbrock's offense. Against Rice, Flanagan's two-yard reception extended the lead to 49-0, capping a successful performance for quarterback CJ Carr and the starting lineup. Flanagan noted that Carr, a capable leader, trusts the entire offensive unit, rather than specifically instructing tight ends on red-zone plays. Denbrock, who previously coached tight ends at Notre Dame from 2002-04 and 2010-11, has undoubtedly been invigorated by this early-season scoring surge, an emotion Flanagan believes the coach tries, but fails, to conceal.
