Notre Dame transfer wideout named to Biletnikoff Award watch list originally appeared on The Sporting News
After a bittersweet but highly successful season that ended with a loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish will look to build on that success in 2025.
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Notre Dame’s transfer portal during the offseason was highlighted by standout wide receiver Malachi Fields. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound pass catcher from Charlottesville, Virginia, transferred from the University of Virginia after a junior season in which he tallied 55 receptions, 808 yards, and five touchdowns for the Cavaliers.
With Fields transferring to a more competitive football program at Notre Dame, his potential has shot through the roof. The redshirt senior has been named one of the 47 pass catchers in the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award. The award is given to college football’s most outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position.
The Virginia transfer joins a large list of other Notre Dame players nominated for preseason awards.
Fields will catch passes from either redshirt freshman CJ Carr or redshirt sophomore Kenny Minchey. The two quarterbacks are currently competing for Notre Dame’s starting quarterback position, leading up to their Week 1 matchup against Miami on Aug. 31.
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Some of Malachi Fields’ most impressive performances in his final season at Virginia include an 11-reception, 148-yard game against Wake Forest on Sept. 7, as well as a nine-reception, 129-yard performance against Louisville on Oct. 12.
He will compete for a chance at winning the second Biletnikoff Award in program history. Golden Tate won the award for the Fighting Irish in 2009.
