The tea is spilling in the Big Ten after Illinois’ meltdown, and while Elijah Sarratt ran the highlight routes, his brothers’ fingerprints are all over the grind that got him here.
Elijah Sarratt made Indiana football history in the 2024 Old Oaken Bucket game by breaking the receiving yards of 165 against Purdue. He continuous dominance throughout the season, led the Hoosiers with 29 receptions, 513 yards, and multiple touchdowns.
Elijah’s performance like pancakes stacked at Waffle House, has highlighted the Sarratt family’s athletic legacy and sibling rivalry.
On repeat 🔂 @elijah_sarratt this time with the touchdown for @IndianaFootball
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2025
📺NBC pic.twitter.com/jKUfCXrqjO
Born in Stafford, Virginia, Elijah Sarratt grew up in a home where football wasn’t just a game, it was a way of life. His parents, Donnie and Kim Sarratt, made sure their sons were grounded, so they created a safe space for healthy sibling competition and athletic ambition.
Elijah’s oldest brother, Jalen Sarratt played basketball and football at North Stafford High School.
He was also a standout player and finished third in Virginia history with an incredible 922-point season. And then there’s the “Cheese” brother, Josh Sarratt, who started as an all-region defensive back and wide receiver in high school.
They came up with the nickname for Josh during his childhood complaints, and asked him if he wanted “cheese with his whine”. Their bond has ignited their athletic endeavors from trash-talking as kids to celebrating success together on the field.
Throughout their career, each of them have approached the game differently, while emphasizing on discipline and teamwork.
All three of the Sarratt brothers have played collegiate football, and that has been a major part of the family’s identity. The breakout moment was brought by Jalen and it has been carried forward by both Josh and Elijah.
The Elijah Sarratt Brother Trio Didn’t Just Run Routes, They Rewrote The Family Playbook!
Before moving to Virginia State University, Jalen Sarratt started his collegiate football career as a wide receiver at the University of Charleston. Jalen was balancing both academic and athletics however, there isn’t much information on his post-college trajectory.
Since, Jalen tends to keep a low profile it isn’t confirmed whether he continued his career in sports or chose a different path.
On the other hand, Josh Sarratt started off at the Virginia Military Institute and later transferred to James Madison University (JMU). At the university, he participated in all 13 games in a single season and recorded 17 tackles.
Tell Da Youngins Chase Their Dreams, Only Way To See How It’s Gon Play Out pic.twitter.com/W3LmGmTSo7
— Cheese Sarratt (@FTFcheese) March 22, 2024
Moreover, Josh Sarratt was selected to the VaASID First Team All-State as a touchdown returner. Unlike Elijah, he took a methodical approach to the game and focused on planning, getting more practice, and closely analyzing the opposition’s offenses.
When Elijah Sarratt transferred to JMU in 2023, he was able to rejoin Josh, who was already a defensive standout for the Dukes.
The Sarratt brothers brought the sibling rivalry to life, with Josh playing safety and Elijah, playing the wide receiver. While Josh and Elijah have played together, Jalen Sarratt didn’t play alongside either sibling in college.
#IUFB BELT TO ASS #Hoosiers 49-10 #Indiana Fernando Mendoza and Elijah Sarratt are getting drafted early pic.twitter.com/T49p9cZ0do
— Arizona Sports (@AzCardinals1988) September 21, 2025
Today Elijah Sarratt and his brother Josh, are pursuing their careers with focus and determination. As a key player in the defensive backfield, Josh Sarratt is a senior at JMU who mentors his younger teammates.
Meanwhile, Elijah is having a breakout season at Indiana University, and is drawing attention as a possible NFL candidate.
The Sarratt brothers didn’t just play football, they lived every experience that came with it. Their legacy will live on regardless of whether the next chapter takes place in the NFL or another field.
Additional Information
- Elijah Sarratt has caught a pass in every college game he has played in his over 40 straight appearances. That has made him one of the most consistent wide receivers in the entire FBS division.
- A teammate gave Elijah Sarratt the nickname “Waffle House” for being open 24/7 on the field.
- Josh Sarratt majored in Individualized Study at JMU.
