Can Irish Receivers Step Up in 2025? Predicting Production of Irish Pass Catchers
- Noah Wehby
- Jun 18
- 5 min read
It's no secret that the Fighting Irish passing attack has been disappointing for a long time now. They have never seemed to match a quarterback with the right type of wide receivers who can consistently strike fear into opposing defenses. Many view this element as the final piece to the puzzle for Notre Dame to put it all together and win a National Championship.
Photo by Notre Dame Athletics
In years past, Notre Dame has always struggled to cultivate a consistent and explosive passing game. Towards the end of the Kelly era, it was clear that Notre Dame lacked a quarterback who could operate that type of offense, which slowly bled into the wide receiver group. It has been years since Notre Dame had a playmaker like Chase Claypool or Miles Boykin. Last year, the wide receiver group, on paper, showed promise. Unfortunately for the Irish, transfers like Jayden Harrison and Kris Mitchell did not pan out the way they had hoped. To add to that, Riley Leonard's passing proficiency, or lack thereof, severely limited that offense at times. One thing that is always important to remember is that Notre Dame will be a run-first offense, especially when they have a player like Jeremiyah Love in the backfield. That philosophy will put a cap on what the wide receivers will produce, but this year, Notre Dame may finally have a chance to develop an incredible passing attack. So with that being said, here are my predictions for what the 2025-2026 wide receiver production could look like.
Jaden Greathouse - Junior
Greathouse may be one of the most highly anticipated players to watch on this team next year, but with that comes lofty expectations. Those expectations are born out of the performance he displayed in the last two games of last season. He made big play after big play in the two most consequential games of the season. For a player who dominated the state of Texas in high school, this was the type of play many were expecting from the moment he stepped foot in South Bend. Although it took longer than some would've liked, it seems that Greathouse has finally figured it out. That makes him the clear candidate to be Notre Dame's top target next season, whether he's in the slot or split out wide. It has been six years since Notre Dame had a 1000-yard receiver, dating back to Chase Claypool in 2019. Greathouse seems ready to update that stat and produce a 1000-yard season. Greathouse will most likely be moved around the field to put him in the best position to be effective. His precise route running and reliable hands will make a great target for Notre Dame's inexperienced QB. Although he may not lead the team in touchdowns, Greathouse will have the largest impact on Notre Dame's passing game.
Stat Prediction: 60 rec | 1050 yds | 8 TDs
Malachi Fields - Senior
Notre Dame has struggled to find that difference maker in the portal when it comes to the wide receiver position. Fields has a chance to change that narrative. Fields looks like he has been built in a lab to play wide receiver. He is 6'4", 220 lbs, and an explosive athlete. At Virginia, he still managed to put up impressive numbers in an offense that was pedestrian at best. In each of his last two years, he went for over 800 yards and five touchdowns, averaging right around 14 yards per reception. This season, he will have much more to work with. He will be playing next to other highly skilled receivers, the best running back in the nation, one of the best offensive lines in the country, and a more talented QB. All of this will give more opportunities to have another successful season. Fields is also very unique compared to the other receivers on the roster. His incredible size and athleticism give him all the right traits to be the Irish's best weapon on the outside and in the red zone, offering that big-play ability this offense has been missing for years.
Stat Prediction: 55 rec | 750 yds | 10 TDs
Jordan Faison - Junior
A fan favorite of many, Faison has proven that he can be a reliable target for this offense and will likely benefit from the other playmakers on this team. As a two-sport athlete, Faison is incredibly athletic and may be Notre Dame's shiftiest player. In the slot, Faison is hard to stay in front of and consistently gets open to make plays in key moments. Unfortunately for Faison, an ankle injury in week one of last season seemed to have limited him for much of the season, hindering him from reaching his full potential. If he stays healthy, Faison will continue to effectively impact the Irish passing attack. With everything else this team can throw at defenses, Faison could even see more favorable matchups to exploit for big plays. Faison's biggest asset to this team will come in short-yardage and third-down situations, where one quick move can free him up to move the chains for Notre Dame.
Stat Prediction: 400 rec | 400 yds | 4 TDs
Will Pauling - Senior
Notre Dame's other transfer, Will Pauling, also has all the necessary skills to improve Notre Dame's passing game in 2025. Although he is not familiar with Notre Dame, he is familiar with Notre Dame's wide receiver coach, Mike Brown. This is the third school that Pauling has played under Brown for. Before Notre Dame, Pauling played for Brown at Cincinnati and Wisconsin. That is a huge advantage to have for any player coming in from the portal. It allows Pauling to have familiarity with the system Brown coaches with, which instantly frees him up to focus on other things. Pauling will most likely be serving in a rotational role for the Irish in 2025. As a rotational player, it does not get a whole lot better than Pauling, which speaks to how this group. has improved. Pauling is a fantastic route runner who, like Faison, is incredibly elusive in open space. He is always capable of making a man miss. He will serve an important role in the slot..
Stat Prediction: 30 rec | 350 yds | 3 TDs
These are only four of the many wide receivers Notre Dame has who might see the field. Of course, there will be others who find ways to contribute, whether that be Micah Gilbert, Cam Williams, Logan Saldate, KK Smith, among others. The four listed above are the ones to carry the load in the passing game next season and have the most expectations to perform at a high level. The excitement comes when the season starts to see the improvements, the surprises, and even the disappointments.
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