Will Pauling Poised for Breakout Role in Notre Dame’s Offense in 2025
As the offseason buzz around Notre Dame football centers heavily on who will start at quarterback in 2025, it’s important not to overlook other key positions that will shape the Fighting Irish’s success next season.
Among those, wide receiver remains a critical spot, especially considering the group’s underwhelming production in recent years. One receiver, in particular, Will Pauling, is emerging as a potential breakout star and could be the difference-maker for the Irish offense in 2025.
Pauling’s numbers in 2024 weren’t eye-popping, but they don’t tell the full story of his capabilities or the role he’s expected to play going forward. In fact, his 2023 season showed flashes of high-level playmaking ability that suggest Pauling could become a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s passing game.
Despite battling an injury last year, Pauling still managed to catch 42 passes for 407 yards and 3 touchdowns — solid stats in a season that limited his opportunities. Now healthy and motivated, he is primed to take a significant leap in production.
Head coach Marcus Freeman has openly expressed his enthusiasm about Pauling’s development and impact in the upcoming season. Speaking to On3’s Tyler Horka, Freeman praised Pauling’s dedication and the level at which he practices, highlighting qualities that set him apart from other receivers on the roster.
“He practices at a different pace and a different effort level than what I’d seen in the past,” Freeman said. “And he’s a playmaker.”
Freeman went on to emphasize just how impressed he is with Pauling’s intensity and purpose in practice. “He’s never seen a wide receiver practice with the intensity and the purpose and the intentionality that Will Pauling does,” Horka reported.
This praise from Freeman is significant, coming from a coach known for demanding hard work and focus from his players. Pauling’s approach to practice suggests that he’s ready to step up and become a reliable top target in an evolving Notre Dame offense. Whether it’s throwing to CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey at quarterback, the Irish will lean heavily on Pauling to make plays and stretch defenses in 2025.
Wide receiver depth and production have been a concern for Notre Dame recently, so having a player like Pauling emerge is encouraging for fans and the program alike. If Pauling can build on his previous success and stay healthy, he could be the spark that energizes an offense looking to take the next step.
With the offseason progressing, all eyes will be on Pauling’s continued growth and how he fits into the Irish’s plans. Notre Dame fans have reason to be optimistic — a hungry, hard-working Will Pauling could be the breakout star that propels the Fighting Irish’s offense to new heights next season.