Notre Dame transfer portal target emerges, but the potential fit brings some major questions
There are two big position groups that everyone knows Notre Dame football will be in the market for heavily this transfer portal cycle. Both defensive tackle and wide receiver are major needs for 2025, and there are a few interesting options that have entered for the latter. That includes former Wisconsin pass catcher Will Pauling, […]
There are two big position groups that everyone knows Notre Dame football will be in the market for heavily this transfer portal cycle. Both defensive tackle and wide receiver are major needs for 2025, and there are a few interesting options that have entered for the latter. That includes former Wisconsin pass catcher Will Pauling, who officially entered on Tuesday.
When talking about Pauling, there are going to be a lot of people who connect the dots between him and the Fighting Irish. The biggest reason for that is his relationship with wide receiver coach Mike Brown. Pauling, who is a native of Flossmoor, Illinois, was originally a member of the Cincinnati Bearcats under Coach Brown. When Brown left to take the same position under Luke Fickell with the Badgers, Pauling followed.
There is a clear relationship between the two of them, and is certainly a player to keep a close eye on. That familiarity, on top of his production over the last couple of years, will be a huge sell for some.
The 5-10, 190-pound wide receiver hasn’t had his most productive year this fall, dealing with injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. Pauling’s best season came in 2023, his first year with Wisconsin. During that campaign, he hauled in 74 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns. In total, he has collected 129 receptions for 1,372 yards and nine scores during his college career so far.
On the field, there is a lot to like about Pauling. He is lightning quick and is really nuanced as a route runner. Pauling excels in the slot where he has a clear understanding for spacing, and how to get open. He has also been a pretty consistent player, possessing strong hands and dependability.
The biggest issue with Pauling’s potential fit with Notre Dame is a bit of redundancy. He projects best inside in the slot, where the Irish already have players like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison returning. That position doesn’t have much of a need, especially with younger players like Logan Saldate continuing to develop.
There were two huge needs this offseason at wide receiver, a big-bodied boundary receiver and speed to the field. Pauling doesn’t project to either of those spots, at least from a volume perspective.
While Pauling is a good player, the fit just feels a bit clunky and redundant. With the team planning on potentially taking two wide receivers, finding that size and/or that speed should be the priority. That’s what the wide receiver position is missing most.
It’s unclear if Notre Dame will decide to push for Pauling or not. If they do, they will sign a good football player but then they will need to be very selective on the second wide receiver they focus on. Time will tell if Pauling is a legitimate target or not, but he is definitely a name to know moving forward.
