While guys like Malachi Fields are done with their Notre Dame football days, they aren't just riding off into the sunset, never to think about the Fighting Irish again. In fact, it's clear that while Fields only spent one year in South Bend, he developed a deep sense of loyalty and family during his short stay. So much so that he has already pinpointed the "next generation" of receivers to make noise in 2026.
Chief among the receivers Fields thinks could be bound for a breakout season this fall is Micah Gilbert. Speaking to Rivals' Tyler Horka, the NFL hopeful said he believes Gilbert will surprise people in his second season in South Bend.
"He’s just scratching the surface of what he can become," Fields reportedly told Horka. In offering up the short and sweet review of what his Notre Dame teammate can become, Fields has effectively anointed Gilbert as a player to watch starting when spring practice begins in a few weeks.
In his true freshman season, injuries essentially derailed Gilbert's 2025 season. He finished with just 9 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. The young receiver showed flashes that could have led to a much more productive campaign if he had avoided getting banged up.
Gilbert scored his first career collegiate touchdown in his first-ever game against the Miami Hurricanes. He finished with just 2 catches for 17 yards, but showed an ability to get space when it was needed in the end zone against a very good 'Canes defense. Against Purdue, he had his best career game, catching 2 passes for 37 yards. While he played in 10 total games, those receptions were his last catches until mid-November.
The 6-foot-2, 207-pound wideout has just scratched the surface of his abilities at the collegiate level. It's clear that Fields believes that as well. There's plenty of reason to believe Micah Gilbert - who was named first team all-state, first team all-conference, and was a Charlotte Observer All Star in his senior year of high school - has a chance to show Notre Dame coaches what he can do and vie for quite a bit more playing time in 2026.