Notre Dame’s only had one Biletnikoff Award winner in the history of the honor. Former Fighting Irish wide receiver Golden Tate was named the best pass catcher in college football in 2009.
The Irish have someone on the 2025 watch list for the award: Malachi Fields.
The Virginia transfer is by far the most accomplished wideout on the Irish roster this year. He went over 800 receiving yards in each of the last two seasons as a Cavalier. He also put up five touchdowns apiece in those seasons.
Obviously, it will take more than 800 yards and five scores to earn the hardware. Travis Hunter had 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as the award winner a season ago. Still, Fields’ numbers the last two seasons would be a welcomed change for the Irish. They haven’t had a wide receiver post 800-plus yards in a single season since Kevin Austin Jr. did it in 2021.
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Fields is capable for being a catalyst for change for the Irish wide receiver room. He’s got a stature unlike that of any of his pass-catching peers at 6-4, 222 pounds. And he has the proven pedigree to go with it. Through the first week of fall camp, Fields has certainly looked like someone the Irish will rely on for consistent production throughout 2025.
Notre Dame tweets of the day
The latest edition of Blue & Gold Illustrated is hot off the presses.
Fighting Irish tight end Eli Raridon sure is strong.
Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman was sporting “The Shirt” at Wednesday’s practice.
Fighting Irish quote of the day
“For me, it’s the little things. I grew up playing on the grass. I love playing on grass. Feeling the dirt, and it is a feel thing. I like being on the dirt. I like the natural feel. I like the little bit of give the natural earth has. But to each their own. I love playing on the turf too. It’s fast on turf. I’m very 50-50 on it. I love ball. I love playing ball.”
— Football Guy Billy Schrauth on Wednesday’s practice on a natural grass field
Blue & Gold headlines of the day
• Coach: What Nick Reddish brings to Notre Dame football’s loaded 2026 secondary group
• Hey Horka! How would Marcus Freeman break a Notre Dame QB1 tie and is there risk of locker room divide?
• Setting fall camp objectives for the 2025 Notre Dame defense
• Elite 2027 CB Xavier Hasan high on Notre Dame with return visit scheduled
• Observations from Notre Dame football fall camp practice No. 6: Offense
• Observations from Notre Dame football fall camp practice No. 6: Defense
• Notre Dame in strong early position with emerging 2028 Wisconsin QB JJ Chapman
