Notre Dame’s football program has been dealt a significant blow as the team announced that tight end Kevin Bauman and running back Kedren Young will miss the entire 2025 season due to knee injuries sustained during recent preseason practices. Bauman, a sixth-year senior, suffered an articular cartilage injury in his left knee, marking his third major knee injury in four years, prompting the New Jersey native to announce his retirement from football. Young, a promising sophomore running back, tore the ACL in his right knee, sidelining a player who was expected to compete for a key role in the Irish backfield. The loss of these key reserves has raised concerns about the team’s offensive depth as they prepare for a highly anticipated season opener against Miami.
Bauman’s retirement is a heartbreaking end to a career plagued by injuries. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end, known for his bruising blocking and contributions on special teams, played in 14 games last season, catching a touchdown pass against Purdue. However, previous injuries, including a fractured fibula in 2021 and ACL tears in 2022 and 2023, limited his ability to fulfill his potential as a former top recruit. In an emotional Instagram post, Bauman expressed gratitude for his time at Notre Dame but confirmed his decision to step away from the game, leaving a thin tight end room that now relies heavily on returning starter Eli Raridon and Arkansas transfer Ty Washington, with junior Cooper Flanagan still recovering from an Achilles injury.
Kedren Young’s injury is equally devastating for Notre Dame’s running back corps, which was poised to be a strength in 2025. The Lufkin, Texas native, who bulked up to 240 pounds, had shown significant promise in camp, with running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider praising his physicality and potential to challenge for the No. 3 or 4 spot on the depth chart. Young’s 116 rushing yards and one touchdown in seven games as a freshman last season highlighted his ability as a short-yardage weapon. With Young sidelined, the Irish will lean on stars Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams, while freshmen like Nolan James Jr. may see increased opportunities, intensifying competition in an already crowded backfield.
Head coach Marcus Freeman expressed devastation for both players but emphasized the team’s resilience, noting the depth at running back and the potential for younger tight ends like Jack Larsen and James Flanigan to step up. The injuries come at a critical time as Notre Dame, coming off a strong 2024 season that ended in a College Football Playoff loss to Ohio State, aims to return to championship contention. With the season opener against Miami looming, where Bauman was set to face his younger brother Alex, a tight end for the Hurricanes, the Irish must now adjust their game plan, testing the program’s depth and adaptability in the face of adversity.[](https://abc7chicago.com/post/notre-dame-te-bauman-rb-young-season-knee-injuries/17483129/)[](https://irishsportsdaily.com/s/25936/notre-dame-loses-kedren-young-kevin-bauman-to-season-ending-injuries)
