SOUTH BEND — More than 40 pass targets were distributed among at least 14 different skill-position players for Notre Dame football in the Blue-Gold Game on Saturday, April 25, at Notre Dame Stadium.
Twenty-one of those flings went down as receptions for a total of 222 yards, but not one of those receptions went to a tight end.
For Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, four decades removed from his own playing career as a tight end at Grand Valley State, the latter part didn’t sit right.
“I want to see more production out of that group, in the passing game in particular,” Denbrock said. “I’m more than thrilled where we are in the run game. With Coop (Flanagan) and James Flanigan and Tyrus Washington and the guys in that room, we can line up physically with anybody.”
That’s just part of the job description, however, especially at a place that justifiably considers itself Tight End U.
“Can we run and play football in space and make plays in the passing game and be our quarterback’s best friend when he needs one?” Denbrock said. “That’s something we have to continue to get better at, in my opinion.”
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, waits to lead his team onto the field before the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame takes the field for the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, right, looks for a teammate to pass to during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler, second from left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Mylan Graham (3) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) celebrates breaking up a pass during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame CJ Carr looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) catches the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) runs the bal during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Jonaz Walton, center, falls into the end zone for a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Joey O'Brien (20) is helped off the field during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson (9) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame defensive lineman Tionne Gray during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame cornerback Jayden Sanders (12) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Micah Gilbert during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) and cornerback Jayden Sanders during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame linebacker Kahanu Kia during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame's offense waits for a play call during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Noah Grubbs (10) looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) and head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert waits for the snap during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love takes photos with fans during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame linebacker Teddy Rezac (35) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) throws the ball away during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame safety Joey O'Brien walks off the field on crutches during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, center, after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame offensive linemen Matty Augustine (58) and Styles Prescod (71) celebrate after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.Notre Dame wide receiver Bubba Frazier signs autographs after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.1 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, waits to lead his team onto the field before the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.1 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, left, waits to lead his team onto the field before the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.2 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame takes the field for the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.3 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, right, looks for a teammate to pass to during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.4 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Adon Shuler, second from left, breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Mylan Graham (3) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.5 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) celebrates breaking up a pass during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.6 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame CJ Carr looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.7 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) catches the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.8 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Cam Williams (5) runs the bal during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.9 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.10 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Jonaz Walton, center, falls into the end zone for a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.11 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Joey O'Brien (20) is helped off the field during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.12 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson (9) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.13 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame linebacker Jaiden Ausberry during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.14 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame defensive lineman Tionne Gray during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.15 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame cornerback Jayden Sanders (12) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Micah Gilbert during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.16 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Adon Shuler (8) and cornerback Jayden Sanders during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.17 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame linebacker Kahanu Kia during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.18 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame's offense waits for a play call during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.19 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.20 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Noah Grubbs (10) looks to pass the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.21 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.22 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison (6) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.23 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) and head coach Marcus Freeman during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.24 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert waits for the snap during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.25 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.26 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.27 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.28 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) runs the ball during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.29 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.30 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameFormer Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love takes photos with fans during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.31 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Devin Fitzgerald (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.32 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame linebacker Teddy Rezac (35) during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.33 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback Blake Hebert (12) throws the ball away during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.34 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame safety Joey O'Brien walks off the field on crutches during the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.35 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.36 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, center, after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.37 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame offensive linemen Matty Augustine (58) and Styles Prescod (71) celebrate after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.38 / 38Photos from 2026 Notre Dame football Blue-Gold spring gameNotre Dame wide receiver Bubba Frazier signs autographs after the Blue-Gold spring game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in South Bend.In the span of nine plays during the second half of this 12-series scrimmage, Washington and Flanigan each had a costly dropped pass.
Washington’s bobble came on a strike from CJ Carr over the middle and ricocheted off safety Ethan Long and into the greedy hands of linebacker Jaylen Sneed. In Washington’s defense, he was the only player wearing the Guardian cap that is said to lower the risk of concussion.
Flanigan, a redshirt freshman who played just 51 offensive snaps last fall, then dropped a quick out from freshman Noah Grubbs that would have moved the chains on second and five.
Third-round selections: Notre Dame football's Malachi Fields, Eli Raridon taken by Giants, Patriots
Roughly 15 hours earlier, Eli Raridon became property of the AFC champion New England Patriots, who used a third-round pick (95th overall) on the former Irish tight end. That made it 13 straight primary Notre Dame tight ends to be drafted eventually into the NFL.
The streak reaches back all the way to Anthony Fasano, a starter in 2004-05.
Raridon, by the way, went without a touchdown reception in his only season with Carr at the controls. Washington, the Arkansas transfer known mainly for his blocking, had the only touchdown catch by a Notre Dame tight end in 2025.
That came on a 4-yard toss from Carr in the latter stages of a 49-10 home blowout of Navy.
Irish tight ends weren’t much better in the passing game on April 18 in the jersey scrimmage, a far better barometer of where things stand after Marcus Freeman’s fifth spring practice at the helm.
Fourth-string option Jack Larsen made a leaping grab of a Grubbs strike over the middle for 16 yards, but soon after that same attempted combination resulted in a 60-yard interception return by safety Luke Talich.
Flanigan had the only other reception by a tight end that day, but Carr’s flip to him in the flat went for no gain.
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Notre Dame football needs more from its tight ends in passing game