During his junior year, he totaled 130 tackles and eight sacks and also played tight end where he recorded 35 receptions and four touchdowns.

He was characterized by coaches as one of the top blockers on the team and had three receptions on the season, including a long of 10 yards against Oregon.

He registered his first career touchdown with a one-yard reception against Oklahoma State and had a season-long 11-yard catch against Missouri in the Big 12 Championship.

On July 2, 2012, it was reported that he would be suspended for the first four games of 2012 season due to violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

He was able to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games, but could not be added to the active roster until after facing the Seattle Seahawks on September 30.

[10] On November 13, 2012, Eldridge was released by the Bears to make room for Josh McCown after starting quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a concussion.