Notre Dame football’s passing attack exploded during the Fighting Irish’s 49-10 victory over Purdue, and the emergence of wide receiver Micah Gilbert has become one of the most exciting developments of the 2026 season. At least, so far.

Quarterback CJ Carr finished the day 14 of 22 for 237 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, delivering an explosive performance that showcased the growing potential of this Notre Dame passing game under head coach Marcus Freeman.

Carr had a bit of an up-and-down start to the second half, but the overall picture was overwhelmingly positive. The real story, though, was what happened around him at wide receiver.

Micah Gilbert is turning a corner

A lot of people have been asking whether Gilbert’s breakout against Michigan State was a one-game wonder or the start of something real. He didn’t replicate the 8 receptions for 170 yards he posted in that game, but 2 receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown told a compelling story of their own.

The longest passing play of the day went to Micah Gilbert, a 56-yard reception. It wasn’t a contested go ball.

No, it was a catch-the-football, get-vertical, show-some-long-speed type of play. Gilbert raced to eliminate an angle and created a massive chunk play. Gilbert’s first reception was a 27-yard touchdown. The quality of the plays, not just the quantity, is what stands out.

Before this season, there was reason for skepticism. Gilbert had 9 receptions for roughly 90 yards last season and dealt with injuries during his first two years on campus.

Hearing good things in the preseason is one thing. Seeing it is another. Over the last two games, Gilbert has 10 receptions for 253 yards and a touchdown. That is a real sample starting to form, and it’s extremely encouraging.

There’s still a desire to see it for another game or two, but Gilbert has me extremely optimistic about where this passing game can go. And that doesn’t even account for the eventual return of Quincy Porter.

At some point this season, Porter is going to be back for the Fighting Irish. Even if Porter is just a good boundary receiver as a true sophomore, that might be good enough to elevate the entire room.

Jordan Faison continues to be Mr. Consistent

Faison is a winning football player, and I continue to believe we’re not going to fully appreciate him until he’s gone for a couple of years and we look back at what he meant to this team. He’s had at least 4 receptions in each game this season, finishing with 4 catches for 66 yards against the Boilermakers.

Faison also contributed a 17-yard punt return at the end of the first half that set up Notre Dame at midfield to tack on points before halftime.

He makes plays as a route runner and after the catch. He even had a contested catch during the game, which is not really his forte, but the fact that he showed he can do it against Big Ten competition was really encouraging.

The slot position needs a spark

Jaden Greathouse had 2 receptions for 36 yards, and Mylan Graham did not record a catch. That slot position needs to get better. It’s not good enough right now.

Here’s where things get fun to think about.

If and when Porter returns, could Notre Dame toy with getting Porter and Gilbert on the field at the same time and utilize Faison out of the slot? Gilbert scored his touchdown working from the slot, and Faison has the versatility to move around.

Making these wide receivers more interchangeable could be a real change-up for this offense.

Tight ends get more involved

The tight end position started showing more life against Purdue. James Flanagin had 1 reception for 9 yards. Cooper Flanagan added 2 catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. Notre Dame also targeted Ty Washington, though it was a bad ball from Carr.

Heading into the game, Notre Dame’s tight ends had combined for just 6 receptions for 31 yards and 2 touchdowns through three games. There was clearly an intention to get them more involved, and the staff followed through.

The bigger picture

The state of the Notre Dame passing offense feels strong.

Gilbert looks real. Faison remains a consistent and trustworthy weapon. Talent is still coming and will continue to ascend. With Porter’s return on the horizon and the tight ends getting more involved, there is a lot of reason for optimism about where this group is headed.