Wide receiver Kris Mitchell is poised to inject new energy and playmaking ability to Notre Dame’s offense in the upcoming season. Following a stellar year at Florida International University in 2023, Mitchell transferred to Notre Dame for his final collegiate season. Known for his exceptional speed and knack for making clutch plays, Mitchell is a key addition to the Fighting Irish’s offense.
Mitchell played in all 12 games last year for Florida International, finishing the season as the Panthers’ leading receiver. He caught 64 passes for 1,118 yards (93.2 yards per game) with seven touchdowns. Mitchell recorded at least one reception in all 12 games and had multiple receptions in 11 games. He had a strong showing in FIU’s Sept. 2 matchup against Maine. Mitchell finished with career-bests in receptions (9), and receiving yards (201), and tied his single game best of two receiving touchdowns. The previous season in 2022, he played in all 12 games catching 23 passes for 348 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Bolstering Notre Dame’s Wide Receiver Ranks
With the departure of Rico Flores Jr., Chris Tyree, and Tobias Merriweather through the transfer portal, Notre Dame needed new blood at wide receiver. In addition to Mitchell, the Irish have added to the wide receiver corps Beaux Collins from Clemson and Jayden Harrison from Marshall. The proven pass catchers bring much-needed skill to the position that had often been lacking a year ago. The newcomers join upperclassmen Jayden Thomas and Deion Colzie. Also expected to make big plays at the position are Jaden Greathouse, Jordan Faison, and former quarterback Tyler Buchner.
At 6’1”, 175 pounds, Mitchell adds explosiveness to the offense. He possesses great speed and makes plays downfield. Mitchell led Conference USA in receiving yards last season. And he was one of just two receivers to top the 1,000-yard mark. At season’s end, he was named CUSA All-Conference second team. In his final season for the Irish, Mitchell will look to pad his career stats. He has 100 career catches for 1,663 yards (16.6 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns.
Kris Mitchell Flashes in Blue-Gold Game
Earlier this year, Mitchell flashed in the annual Blue-Gold Game. He notched the biggest score from scrimmage late in the contest. A wide-open Mitchell hauled in a 62-yard pass from Steve Angeli to give the Blue team a 28-21 victory. Irish head coach Marcus Freeman raved about Mitchell in his post-game press conference.
“It’s big,” Freeman said from the podium. “It’s why we got him from the portal. We knew he could help this team, and we’ve seen it on film. He’s had a really good spring. It’s good when we go live and let him go and throw the ball deep to him. He makes some big plays. He’s going to help us. That’s why he’s here to really boost this wide receiver room.”
Following the spring exhibition game, Mitchell also addressed the media.
“My whole goal this spring was just to get to know the guys and become close to them on and off the field,” Mitchell shared in his press conference. “And I feel like I did that. On the field, learning the playbook and offense, because you can’t play fast and smart without that.
“The quarterback room is extremely talented,” Mitchell added. “There’s a lot of healthy competition. They are pushing each other every day. Just to see them battling through all the hard things they have to control on the offense, seeing them overcome that, I’m really proud of the boys.”
Improvement on Tap
Fall camp is on the horizon. With more rigorous practice sessions against Notre Dame’s formidable secondary to hone his abilities, Mitchell is poised to improve on his impressive statistics from a season ago. Surrounded by top-tier talent on both sides of the ball, the high-profile transfer should not just meet but exceed expectations in the 2024 season.
As far as going up against Irish defenders like Benjamin Morrison and Xavier Watts in spring practice, Mitchell added in his Blue-Gold game press conference, “I believe in myself. Coming here to Notre Dame and being around guys like myself with the same work ethic, they push me to be better. Going against them every day has made me so much better.”
It’s a safe bet that Kris Mitchell is certain to become an even more imposing wide receiver this season thanks to his intensive training against Notre Dame’s elite defense.
