Holden Staes

Holden Staes (born June 10, 2003) is an American football tight end for the Tennessee Volunteers of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He previously played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Early life and high school
Staes initially grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended The Westminster Schools. He was named a team captain for his senior season and was a three-time First Team All-Region Selection (2019-21). Over his career, he amassed 51 catches for 744 yards and 7 TD. He also made 53 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss. Staes earned 26 NCAA Division I football offers, including offers from Notre Dame, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, andTennessee. He would commit to Notre Dame on May 8, 2021.


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Notre Dame
Staes played in 11 games during his rookie season and made his debut against Marshall on September 10, 2022. He made the first and only start of his rookie season against North Carolina on September 24. He caught his first career pass on October 8 against BYU.

Staes played in 11 games and made eight starts during his sophomore year. He caught his first career touchdown on September 2, 2023 against Tennessee State. In a game against NC State on September 9, 2023, he logged his best performance of the season with a career-best 115 receiving yards on four catches, including 35 and 40 touchdown receptions.

On December 1, 2023, Staes entered the transfer portal.

Tennessee
On December 15, 2023, Staes transferred to Tennessee.

Personal life
Staes is the son of Michelle and Steven Staes and has two siblings, Ethan and Grace.