Two years we ago we debuted the 18 Stripes Hall of Fame Pyramid for Notre Dame football and its extensive history of wonderful talent. You can read the final rankings from 2019 HERE with links to the previous levels of the pyramid linked therein.

We’re now adding players who have left Notre Dame since the conclusion of the 2019 season. Next up to be inducted is another addition to the home of Tight End University.

*Players are listed in order by their position with overall rankings to the left.

193. Cole Kmet, TE, Lake Barrington, Illinois (2017-19)
189. Anthony Fasano, TE, Verona, New Jersey (2002-05)
170. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Cincinnati, Ohio (2008-10)
165. John Carlson, TE, Litchfield, Minnesota (2004-07)
145. Derek Brown, TE, Merritt Island, Florida (1988-91)
126. Mark Bavaro, TE, Danvers, Massachusetts (1981-84)
107. Dave Casper, TE, Chilton, Wisconsin (1971-73)
81. Tony Hunter, TE, Cincinnati, Ohio (1979-82)
65. Tyler Eifert, TE, Fort Wayne, Indiana (2009-12)
15. Ken MacAfee, TE, Brockton, Massachusetts (1974-77)

Kmet had a weird career that didn’t necessarily make him a lock for the 18 Stripes Hall of Fame Pyramid. As a true freshman he saw the field enough as the 4th tight end and then made a decent impact as a sophomore catching 15 passes. Heading into his junior year there were whispers that Kmet was ready for a big year and an exit to the NFL. But, he hadn’t even caught a touchdown pass yet in his career!

In terms of pure talent it could be argued Kmet should be higher on this list. Maybe not much (there have been some great tight ends at Notre Dame!) but his tools were perhaps greater than someone like John Carlson, for example.

However, Kmet’s career achievement just don’t merit a higher ranking. For sure, his final 2019 season was really impressive. Among the trio of Fasano, Rudolph, and Carlson the 43 receptions for Kmet in 2019 is 3rd best for a single season. Despite not catching a touchdown pass through 2 seasons, Kmet grabbed 6 in his junior year tying the single-season school record held by Ken MacAfee.

One more year from Kmet would’ve been something to watch. Of course that would’ve meant less of a spotlight on freshman All-American Michael Mayer (basically a lock for induction already) but Kmet could’ve broken 100 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns for his career and hit some really big milestones for a tight end at Notre Dame.