Counting Down the Irish: Can Former Four-Star TE Kevin Bauman Finally Turn the Corner After Injury-Plagued Journey in South Bend?

Kevin Bauman’s career at Notre Dame has been a tale of immense promise, untimely setbacks, and unrelenting perseverance. At 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds, Bauman arrived in South Bend as a highly touted four-star tight end prospect, lauded for his polished route-running, dependable hands, and physical blocking presence. Recruited out of New Jersey powerhouse Red Bank Catholic, Bauman was the latest in a long line of blue-chip tight ends to join the storied Fighting Irish program. He seemed destined to follow in the footsteps of Notre Dame greats like Kyle Rudolph, Tyler Eifert, and Cole Kmet. But the path to that level of production has not been linear for Bauman. Now entering what feels like a make-or-break chapter in his college career, the question looms large: can Kevin Bauman finally deliver on his immense potential after years derailed by injuries?

Bauman’s freshman season in 2020 began with promise, though his appearances were limited. He played in four games and showed enough to reinforce the belief that Notre Dame had landed a special talent. However, with a deep tight end room that included future NFL Draft pick Michael Mayer, the staff opted to redshirt Bauman to preserve a year of eligibility. At the time, it seemed like a wise move. Mayer was destined to be a focal point of the offense, and Bauman would have time to develop and eventually take on a more prominent role. But hindsight offers a harsher evaluation of that decision. Given the unfortunate chain of events that would follow, the staff might now wish they had leaned more heavily on Bauman early in his career.

In 2021, Bauman entered the season with hopes of a larger role. Unfortunately, those hopes were quickly dashed. An early-season leg injury sidelined him for a significant chunk of the year, halting his momentum just as it was beginning to build. The frustration only grew in 2022, when Bauman was again bitten by the injury bug, this time with a season-ending knee injury that robbed him of what was shaping up to be a crucial campaign. At that point, two years had passed since his redshirt season, and Bauman had yet to string together consistent playing time, much less production. Every time he seemed poised to take a leap forward, misfortune struck. For a player of Bauman’s caliber, the stop-start nature of his career was a bitter pill to swallow.

Still, to his credit, Bauman never lost focus. While many players might have transferred, stepped away, or mentally checked out, Bauman remained fully engaged with the program. He embraced his role on the scout team when necessary, supported his teammates from the sideline, and dedicated himself to the rehab process each time he was sidelined. By all accounts, his commitment and character never wavered. And in 2023, after three seasons largely defined by injury reports and rehab stints, Bauman finally found a semblance of health.

Last fall, Bauman was able to contribute more consistently than in any of his prior seasons. Though his statistical output remained modest—just a few receptions for limited yardage—his presence was meaningful. He served as a reliable depth piece behind the emerging Mitchell Evans and Holden Staes, providing solid blocking on run plays and giving the coaching staff flexibility in two-tight end sets. But more than anything, Bauman’s ability to stay on the field was a quiet victory in itself. After three grueling years, he had earned the right to play meaningful snaps and make an impact, even if only in flashes.

Now, as he enters the upcoming season, there’s a renewed sense of hope that Bauman might finally have a chance to fulfill the lofty expectations that accompanied his arrival. With Evans recovering from a torn ACL and Staes now transferring out, the door has reopened for Bauman to take on a much larger role in the offense. He is now one of the most experienced tight ends on the roster, and his familiarity with the playbook, combined with his physical tools, gives him an opportunity to emerge as a key contributor in what should be an evolving offensive scheme under second-year coordinator Gerad Parker.

Bauman’s versatility is one of his greatest assets. At 253 pounds, he possesses the frame and strength to serve as an in-line blocker, helping to pave the way for Notre Dame’s ground game. At the same time, he has the athleticism to flex out and run routes, creating mismatches against slower linebackers or undersized safeties. When healthy, Bauman’s game is well-rounded, and he can be trusted in both facets of tight end play. That’s part of what made him such a coveted recruit—and it’s what still gives the coaching staff confidence in his ability to emerge, even after so many detours.

It also helps that Bauman is entering the season with a full offseason of preparation under his belt. For the first time in years, he was able to participate in spring practices without limitation, gaining valuable reps with new quarterback Riley Leonard. That rapport could prove vital as the Irish break in a new leader under center. Leonard, a transfer from Duke, brings a dual-threat element to the offense that could benefit tight ends like Bauman, particularly in scramble drill scenarios and play-action sets. The more comfortable Bauman becomes as a safety valve and red zone target, the more likely it is that he carves out a consistent role this fall.

Of course, the shadow of injury always looms, especially for a player with Bauman’s history. The tight end position is inherently physical, requiring players to endure collisions in both blocking and pass-catching situations. But Bauman is now older, wiser, and perhaps better equipped to manage the demands of the position. His experience in strength and conditioning, along with a deeper understanding of his body, could help mitigate some of the risks that have haunted him in the past. At this stage in his career, every snap is a chance to rewrite the narrative—and Bauman knows it.

He has spoken before about his gratitude for the Notre Dame community, for the support of the medical staff, and for the unwavering belief of his coaches. That gratitude has fueled a quiet determination, one rooted not just in personal ambition but in a desire to contribute to the team’s success. For Bauman, the journey has never been solely about statistics or NFL dreams—it’s also about leaving a legacy of resilience and commitment. In a locker room filled with young talent, he serves as a steadying presence, someone who understands the grind and the value of persistence.

Whether Bauman becomes the breakout star many once projected remains to be seen. But in some ways, his comeback is already a triumph. The mere fact that he’s back in contention, ready to compete for a starting role, speaks volumes about his character and drive. Football careers are often judged by yardage, touchdowns, and highlight reels. But there’s another metric just as important—one measured in fortitude, mental toughness, and the ability to rise each time you’re knocked down. By that measure, Bauman’s story is already among the most compelling in the Irish locker room.

Still, there’s a tantalizing possibility that the best is yet to come. If Bauman can stay healthy and seize his opportunity, he has the potential to become a trusted target for Leonard, a fixture in red zone packages, and a consistent performer in Notre Dame’s offensive game plan. The tools are still there. The body is finally cooperating. And the hunger to prove himself—after all these years—is stronger than ever.

As Notre Dame counts down its key contributors ahead of the 2025 season, Kevin Bauman remains a name that evokes both what was once expected and what might still be achieved. The tight end room is thinner than in years past, but the opportunity is thicker than ever. Bauman’s journey may not have gone according to the script, but the final chapters are still being written. And if the pen is in Bauman’s hands, there’s every reason to believe he’ll make the most of it.