Senior Quarterback Eli Ribaudo Ignites the Tigers’ Offense
Photo by Elleigh Tarpley
By Elleigh Tarpley
Sept. 23, 2025
The Eisenhower Tigers have a new leader under center, and he’s already making headlines. Senior quarterback Eli Ribaudo has stepped into the spotlight over the last two weeks, turning the Tigers’ offense into a force to watch.
Ribaudo’s journey began on Sept. 12, when Eisenhower faced archrival Goddard. For the first three quarters, the Tigers struggled to find rhythm on offense. Then, in the fourth, Ribaudo was called in — and the game changed instantly. In just one quarter, he threw three touchdowns, sparking a comeback against the Lions.
“It was a really good feeling that I’d been waiting for,” Ribaudo said. “Once we got rolling, it was just fun to be out there with my team.”
Quarterback Coach Kristopher Houseberg remembers the moment clearly.
“The offense was struggling and disorganized,” he said. “Coach Fisher said we’re going with Eli. I said, ‘alright.’”
What impressed Houseberg most wasn’t just the stats but Ribaudo’s calmness under pressure.
“His composure stood out. The rest of the team fed off of it, and we were able to have some success,” he said. “It’s extremely difficult for a quarterback to come into a game and have the success he did, especially in a rivalry game.”
For Ribaudo, the first touchdown against Goddard was the moment he knew things could turn around.
“I just got excited for my team and kind of felt a sense that we could have a chance to bounce back,” he said. “It wasn’t too late yet.”
That breakout set the stage for Sept.19 when Ribaudo earned his first true start against Newton. This time, he took the opening snap and never looked back. By the end of the night, he had racked up 228 passing yards and three more touchdowns, solidifying himself as the Tigers’ offensive leader.
Ribaudo said that the support of those around him has been key.
“My teammates just kept encouraging me, keeping me positive, and reminding me to keep grinding,” he said. “And my mom and dad are always just supportive of me and pushing me to get better every single day.”
Houseberg says Ribaudo’s impact goes beyond the box score.
“As a leader, he brings composure,” he said. “People might not always notice it from the stands, but the guys in the huddle feel it. That’s why the team feeds off him.”
For Ribaudo, the goals are simple but ambitious for himself and his team.
“As a team, we want to win every game and hopefully go to state– that's what every team wants,” he said. “Personally, I’d say hitting around 2,000 passing yards would be a great milestone, since that’s where a lot of college coaches start noticing.”
For now, though, Eisenhower fans are simply enjoying the spark he’s brought to the offense. With back-to-back standout performances, the Tigers have found their quarterback — and the rest of the season just got a lot more exciting.
