The Notre Dame football team has leaned heavily on the running game and mostly had a passing game there to keep opponents honest the last two years. However, according to at least one analyst, things may change a bit in South Bend. The passing game could become the feature under offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and whoever is the quarterback when the fall rolls around.
The idea that the Fighting Irish might go to the air more makes sense. They went out for the second straight year and got some talented pass catchers in the portal. This time it’s Malachi Fields and Will Pauling. They also have guys like Jaden Greathouse who have already been predicted to have a big 2025 on deck.
JD Pickell discussed his personal predictions for Notre Dame football, and his biggest “out on a limb” moment came when he decided that the Irish would have a 1,000-yard receiver this season.
Calling our shot. Notre Dame has a 1K yard WR this year.
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) June 8, 2025
Here’s why:https://t.co/0Z8kZfKg1L pic.twitter.com/AKwmNki6Su
While Pickell didn’t say which receiver he believes has the best chance to hit that mark, it’s more than the Irish have, several talented receivers, and a quarterback who might be more of a passer than a runner under center, as the reason they’ll meet that mark.
“In 2025, my prediction for Notre Dame is they will have a 1,000-yard wide receiver for the first time since 2019,” Pickell said on his podcast. “There's a lot of suspects here for Notre Dame to get this done in that wide receiver room.”
Analyst tips Irish to hit 1,000-yard mark as Denbrock shifts toward a pass-first offense in 2025
“Malachi Fields transferring in from Virginia. Now he had two 800-yard years for the Cavs. Will Pauling from Wisconsin, his best year at Wisconsin, he had 800-plus receiving yards as well. Jaden Greathouse, I don't think you have to squint too hard to see what he could be. In the biggest games for you, against Penn State and Ohio State, he had his best games. Jordan Faison, in the slot, does he feast a little bit underneath?”
Things could change if Kenny Minchey wins the quarterback job. The offense will likely look more like 2024 since he’s far more mobile than CJ Carr. However, Minchey also has a better arm than people give him credit for.
A 1,000-yard season seems like aiming high, but it’s worth pointing out that the Notre Dame football team could have as many as 16 games on the schedule again, making it much easier for a receiver to approach that mark.