Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer has played his last game for the Fighting Irish.

Mayer told ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Wednesday that he will forego the remainder of his college eligibility. He’s also skipping the Gator Bowl to begin preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft.

“I’ve really enjoyed my experience at Notre Dame,” Mayer told Thamel. “The first reason I picked Notre Dame was the NFL, it was on my mind a very, very long time. I saw a lot of good tight ends in in the NFL from Notre Dame. That was one of the main reasons I went there.”

Mayer also gave ESPN some insight on what he wants to accomplish in the coming months and years as a pro.

“I wanted to come and win games be a first-round draft pick at tight end,” Mayer told Thamel. “I set my sights on it, and that’s what I’ve been working toward the last three years.”

Mayer is currently expected to be the first tight end taken in the 2023 NFL Draft. He proved to be one of the top pass-catchers and blockers at the position this season with Notre Dame.

Mayer leaves South Bend as arguably the best tight end in program history. He’s tied for fifth all-time in program history with 157 receptions, but first amongst tight ends. He’s also tied for 10th in program history with 18 touchdowns in his career.

Notre Dame will face South Carolina in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 30.