Notre Dame seniors prepare for emotional final home game

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame will play its final home game of the regular season this Saturday against Syracuse. But for senior players, this weekend is about much more than football. It’s about saying goodbye to the place they’ve called home.

Earlier today, I spoke with a few of them. You could feel it in their voice—that realization that this might really be the last time they wear the blue and gold inside Notre Dame Stadium. One of those players is tight end Eli Raridon. He’s battled past injuries and become a trusted red-zone target, ranking third on the team in receiving yards.

“It honestly flew by. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine. I remember as a kid praying to be tall enough to play football at Notre Dame and big enough to play at Notre Dame football and now, I’m here and it’s my last home game.”

Another senior is Junior Tuihalamaka—a tough, quiet leader known for his effort and energy. He’s recorded eight tackles this season.

“I’m definitely going to cherish the moment but as the days lead on I’m trying to take it as one step as it goes. Hopefully time slows down a little bit.”

In total, 12 seniors will be honored on Saturday. Each brought something different to this program, and each will get the chance to step onto the field one last time. Tight end Justin Fisher says he hopes he can take in the moment.

“You get so caught up in the game and it being Saturday and you don’t get a minute to step back and reflect but Saturday I hope there’s a time. I’m super excited to get to run out one last time and meet my family at midfield.”

Saturday won’t just be another game. For many of these players, it could be their last walk through the tunnel, their last snap on the grass they’ve worked for, and their last time playing in front of their home crowd. But if you ask them, it’s not a goodbye. They see it as passing the standard on to the next group of Irish players.