Elijah Sarratt: 247 | NFL Draft | Injury | Brother | Parents | Wikipedia

Elijah Sarratt has rapidly ascended from a lightly-recruited high school player to one of the most exciting wide receivers in college football. With impressive production at multiple schools, Ohio-area roots, and early projections toward the NFL Draft, Sarratt’s journey is rich with hard work, family support, and breakout performances. This in-depth article covers everything you need to know about Elijah Sarratt — 247Sports profile overview, his college and draft projection, injury updates, personal background and family, and a detailed take on his path to the pros.

Early Life & High School

Elijah Sarratt was born on May 28, 2003, in Stafford, Virginia, where he honed his athleticism and football instincts from a young age. Growing up in a competitive environment with his older brothers, Elijah always had a ball in hand and dreamed of making plays. His passion for football emerged early — fueled by both natural ability and the influence of his athletic family.

Sarratt began his high school career at Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, where he first made an impression as a slick, versatile athlete. Standing out in both football and basketball, Elijah’s growth as a receiver was hard to ignore. Yet, despite his on-field productivity, he initially garnered limited national attention. To raise his profile, Sarratt transferred to Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore before his senior season — a move aimed at playing against elite competition and enhancing his recruiting opportunities.

At Saint Frances, Elijah faced some of the top prep talent in the nation, reinforcing his belief that he could compete at a higher level. Despite still being under the radar for many recruiters, he caught enough attention to earn scholarship interest and laid the foundation for his college career.

College Career: From Division I FCS to Power 5

Saint Francis University (2022)

Elijah Sarratt began his collegiate journey at Saint Francis University (PA) — a smaller Division I FCS school. In his freshman season, he made an immediate impact, recording 42 receptions for 700 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games. His playmaking ability helped him lead his team in receiving and tied the program’s single-season touchdown reception record. This early success earned him FCS Freshman All-America honors and first-team All-Northeast Conference selection.

Though his talent was evident, Elijah elected to enter the NCAA transfer portal after one season — seeking greater exposure and competition at the next level.

James Madison University (2023)

Elijah’s move to James Madison University (JMU) proved transformational. In his sophomore campaign, Sarratt became the Dukes’ top receiving threat, catching 82 passes for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns, earning recognition as a First-Team All-Sun Belt selection.

At JMU, Sarratt regularly posted big games and established himself as one of the most productive receivers in Group of Five football. His ability to consistently gain separation and make contested catches gave opponents fits, while his elite production made him a frequent highlight-reel figure.

Once again after the season, Sarratt entered the transfer portal, this time targeting Power 5 competition and a chance to further enhance his NFL Draft stock.

Indiana Hoosiers (2024–Present)

On January 4, 2024, Elijah announced his transfer to Indiana University Bloomington, joining the Hoosiers.

At Indiana, Sarratt seamlessly integrated into a tougher Big Ten schedule and continued to produce at an elite rate:

• In 2024, he hauled in 53 receptions for 957 yards and 8 touchdowns, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors.

• Through the 2025 season, he maintained elite production, finishing with 51 receptions for 687 yards and 12 touchdowns, including multiple big-game performances.

Across his collegiate career, Elijah’s versatility and consistent production have made him one of the most feared playmakers in college football. Sarratt’s ability to create separation, catch tough passes, and deliver in key moments has set him apart.

Nickname & Playing Style

Sarratt’s nickname — “Waffle House” — reflects his knack for being “always open,” a testament to his route-running craft and spatial awareness. Despite not possessing elite straight-line speed, his football IQ and timing allow him to consistently beat defenders.

Coaches have praised Elijah’s ability to make contested catches and impact games beyond raw statistics. His combination of size (6-2, 213 lbs), physical play, and polished route running makes him a uniquely challenging matchup on the outside.

NFL Draft Outlook

As Elijah Sarratt enters draft evaluation season, scouts have taken notice of his consistent production, competitive temperament, and advanced skill set. Pro Football Focus has highlighted his solid grades and strong contested catch ability, and mock draft boards often project him as a mid-round pick — with some rising draft boards placing him as high as the second or third round of the NFL Draft.

Reddit draft discussions and fan forums also reflect growing enthusiasm for his professional potential — with many projecting him as a valuable addition to NFL receiving corps, especially teams seeking reliable route runners with refined technique.

Injury History & Status

In 2025, Elijah Sarratt suffered a hamstring strain during a game after leading the nation in receiving touchdowns. The injury caused him to leave the game early and sit out the following week, impacting Indiana’s offensive continuity.

As with most soft-tissue injuries, the key to his long-term draft stock will be recovery and durability moving forward — and early reports during his rehabilitation period suggest that Sarratt is viewed as a priority contributor once fully healthy.

Family & Support System

Elijah comes from a close-knit family that played a major role in shaping his competitive mindset. His parents, Donnie and Kim Sarratt, raised three sons and instilled a love for football from a young age.

His older brother Josh Sarratt also plays football at the collegiate level, serving as a safety at James Madison University. Both brothers shared competitive moments growing up — training together, pushing each other during practices, and learning through shared experience.

Another brother, Jalen, also pursued athletics and contributed to the football culture in the family, though less publicized. The Sarratt household provided a foundation of support that helped Elijah navigate early recruiting challenges and reinvent himself at each step of his college career.

247Sports, Recruiting Ratings & College Recruiting

While Elijah’s initial recruiting rankings weren’t as high as some elite blue-chip receivers — partly due to missed exposure opportunities and COVID-era recruiting restrictions — his subsequent performance quickly erased any doubts about his ability. Though not initially a top-rated 247Sports recruit, his subsequent development and production now position him among the most intriguing wide receiver prospects nationally as pro prospects are evaluated ahead of the draft.

247Sports and similar scouting services now list him as a high-impact player to watch due to his advanced route tree, reliable hands, and consistent scoring ability. Actual numeric ratings can vary year to year, but the consensus is that Elijah was undervalued as a recruit and has proven his worth through performance. (247Sports profile aggregated data review).

Legacy & Future Potential

Elijah Sarratt’s story is one of resilience and progression:

• From overlooked recruit to multi-school star.

• From FCS freshman sensation to Power 5 breakout receiver.

• And now, a legitimate NFL Draft candidate.

His legacy at Indiana is already impressive — ranking among the elite receivers in the program’s history, topping statistical leaderboards, and consistently delivering in big moments.

Beyond college, the expectation is clear: Sarratt has the talent to be an immediate contributor at the next level, especially with his polished route skills and contested catch ability — key traits that NFL teams covet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Elijah Sarratt?

Elijah Sarratt is an American football wide receiver for the Indiana Hoosiers who has also played at Saint Francis (PA) and James Madison University.

2. Where is Elijah Sarratt from?

He was born and raised in Stafford, Virginia.

3. What colleges did Elijah Sarratt play for?

He played at Saint Francis (PA), James Madison, and currently Indiana University.

4. What is his nickname and why?

His nickname is “Waffle House”, because he jokes he’s “always open” to make plays.

5. What injury did Sarratt suffer in 2025?

He suffered a hamstring strain, causing limited playing time after early season success.

6. Is Elijah Sarratt an NFL Draft prospect?

Yes — he is considered a strong candidate for the 2026 NFL Draft, with projections ranging from mid to early rounds.

7. Does Elijah have siblings who play football?

Yes, his older brother Josh plays at James Madison, and another brother Jalen also participated in sports.

8. What are his career stats?

Across all colleges, Sarratt has recorded well over 3,500 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns — an elite production mark in college football.