When Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Elijah Sarratt steps onto the field, his athleticism, clutch playmaking, and relentless determination tell only part of his story. Behind the rising college football star stands a family whose values, work ethic, and close-knit support system helped shape the person (and player) he’s become.
Here are five fast facts you should know about the college star’s family.
1. Elijah Sarratt Is the Youngest of Three Brothers
Elijah grew up as the youngest son of Donnie and Kim Sarratt, alongside older brothers Josh and Jalen. Competing with older siblings helped shape Elijah’s toughness and competitiveness from an early age, both on and off the field.
Both of Elijah’s brothers have a history playing football. Jalen played at North Stafford High School, where Josh “went on to earn all-state honors and was named The Free Lance-Star’s Player of the Year at Colonial Forge.”
That dynamic played a role in his development as a player who thrives in physical matchups and doesn’t shy away from pressure situations, traits that have carried through every stop of his college career.
2. His Father, Donnie Sarratt, Emphasized Discipline and Accountability
Donnie was a hands-on presence in Elijah’s athletic development, stressing preparation, effort, and consistency long before recruiting attention arrived. Those values became foundational as Elijah navigated a nontraditional path to college football stardom.
“One thing you’ve got to know about the Sarratt family: We do not give anybody props undeservedly. If anything, we might be considered haters,” Donnie said. “But Josh was the first person to notice. He came home one day and said, ‘Pops, Elijah is different.’ I gave him a little bit of the side eye, because I thought [Elijah] was going to play basketball, not football.”
The discipline instilled at home translated directly to Elijah’s reputation as a reliable, detail-oriented receiver.
3. His Mother, Kim Sarratt, Focused on Balance and Stability
While football was always important in the Sarratt household, Kim made sure academics, character, and emotional maturity remained priorities. That balance helped Elijah handle setbacks, including being lightly recruited out of high school.
Her influence is often reflected in Elijah’s calm demeanor, leadership style, and ability to stay grounded as his profile has risen on the national stage.
4. Elijah’s Dad Came Up With the Nickname ‘Waffle house’
One of Elijah’s most recognizable nicknames didn’t come from a teammate or a coach; it came from his father.
Donnie is the origin of the “Waffle House” moniker that has followed Elijah throughout his rise, and the story behind it perfectly captures both humor and truth. While speaking to Big Ten Network, Donnie didn’t just explain the nickname; he demonstrated it in real time, casually interjecting during the interview, “He’s open right now.”
The logic is simple and fitting. Much like the restaurant chain that never closes, Elijah is always available as a target. No matter the down, distance, or defensive look, he’s open–dependable, consistent, and ready when needed.
5. Family Support Played a Major Role in His Unconventional Rise
From Colonial Forge High School to Saint Frances Academy, then through stops at Saint Francis (PA), James Madison, and Indiana, Elijah’s journey was anything but linear. Throughout it all, his family remained a constant source of support and belief.
That backing proved critical as he went from a lightly recruited prospect to a Big Ten star and College Football Playoff contributor–a rise rooted as much in family foundation as football ability.
Elijah Sarratt’s Family: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know