Elijah 'Waffle House' Sarratt's Week 2 performance may be a sign of greater things to come

After catching his first touchdown of the 2025 season during Indiana’s win over Kennesaw State, Elijah Sarratt was finally able to celebrate.

In a moment of jubilation, Sarratt quickly flexed with his left arm wrapped around the football. He finally was able to connect with Fernando Mendoza for a touchdown, but this wouldn’t be the last time the two combined for a score on Saturday.

Three total touchdowns highlighted Sarratt’s stellar performance, but he also totaled 97 yards receiving on nine receptions. It was an all-around great day for Indiana’s wideout, but he chalks it up to just one simple thing.

“Just executing.”

And execute Sarratt did, as he made himself known early on, right as the Indiana offense was starting to click. He caught two passes on the Hoosiers’ second drive of the afternoon, allowing IU to move down the field and score a touchdown following a three-and-out to begin the game.

Players Q&A: Indiana players react to Indiana’s Week 2 win over Kennesaw State

In Indiana’s third drive, that’s where Sarratt’s scoring began. On a first-and-goal from the 9-yard line, Fernando Mendoza found Sarratt on a fade route in the right corner of the end zone, pushing Indiana’s lead to 14-0.

“I mean, he’s Waffle House. I didn’t target him enough the first game and evidently, I think I targeted him enough today,” Mendoza said.

With the return of the “Waffle House” nickname, you know that Sarratt was back to being the Hoosiers’ go-to receiver, but it wasn’t that way in Week 1. The senior was only targeted five times and caught just three passes in Indiana’s opener against Old Dominion, as many questioned what went wrong between Sarratt and Mendoza.

He answered those questions this time around and allowed the Hoosiers’ offense to get back on track. For as frustrating as Indiana’s offense was in Week 1, it was equally as promising against Kennesaw State in Week 2.

“In camp, he didn’t have a ton of catches, not in the first game either. So I was glad to see him bust out,” Curt Cignetti told reporters following the win against the Owls.

Mendoza would continue to target Sarratt as the game went on, as after the offense went cold to end the first quarter and begin the second quarter, the Indiana QB went back to what gave him success early on. Sarratt caught two passes in Indiana’s third touchdown drive of the game, one going for 13 yards and the other 27 yards to set up a touchdown run from Lee Beebe Jr. a play later.

On Indiana’s next offensive series, now in the third quarter, Sarratt caught two more passes, with one resulting in a 3-yard touchdown. Once again, Sarratt was able to celebrate with his teammates, relishing that he was contributing toward his team’s dominant win.

After Omar Cooper Jr. housed a 75-yard rush on the next drive, Sarratt was able to celebrate in the end zone for a third time, doing so after his longest touchdown catch of the day, this one going for 20 yards. Mendoza and Sarratt’s connection was apparent, and each of them feels like they owe the other one.

“I think I need to take (Sarratt) out to eat,” Mendoza said.

When questioned again if he thinks he owes the wide receivers, Mendoza doubled down. “I owe them, I owe them, I owe them,” Mendoza said.

The Indiana quarterback makes a good argument, but Sarratt has a different train of thought.

“I think I should take him out to dinner. He’s the one throwing me the rock. So, I owe him one,” he said.

Both Mendoza and Sarratt feel indebted to each other, and while that might seem like silly teammate banter, it’s actually good for Indiana football.

With the way those two were complimenting each other, it won’t matter who owes who, as Indiana fans will feel like they owe both of their star players. It won’t just be Indiana fans, as fellow Hoosiers were quick to take notice of how Sarratt was able to improve upon Week 1 and connect with Mendoza.

How it Happened: No. 23 Indiana throttles Kennesaw State 56-9

“He comes out every week ready to practice. He comes out hype with energy. He brings energy for the whole receiver group. Kind of the leader of the group,” Omar Cooper Jr. said.

“He was just more determined this week. Especially with the lack of targets that he had last week. So just trying to get better each and every day and obviously build that relationship with Fernando. So I was proud of him.”

Fans are taking notice, teammates are taking notice and it was hard for anyone not to take notice at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Week 1 is fully behind Sarratt, and he proved that against Kennesaw State.

Sarratt’s three touchdowns were a crucial part of Indiana’s 56-9 victory over Kennesaw State, as not only was Mendoza able to connect with his top receiver, but they allowed Indiana’s offense to look miles better than it did just a week ago.

His celebrations might just be a quick flex or a little dance, but they symbolize something greater than just six points up on the board.

The old “Waffle House” is back, and he and Mendoza are building toward something bigger than themselves.

Not yet a member of TheHoosier?  Join our community for Just $1 for your first week and get a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership. Join here!

Use the code “IND20” on Rhoback.com for a generous 20% off for all new customers through the end of this week. Rhoback — Best Fit, Best Feel.