**“Will Pauling Turning Heads in Notre Dame Fall Camp After Breakout Season Under Mike Brown at Wisconsin”**

Will Pauling’s emergence as a standout during Notre Dame’s fall camp is no longer just a quiet buzz within the program — it’s becoming one of the most compelling storylines of the offseason. After transferring from Wisconsin, where he was one of the most productive wide receivers in the Big Ten under the guidance of wide receivers coach Mike Brown, Pauling has carried that same energy and precision into South Bend, and it’s already paying dividends for the Irish. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound receiver brings with him a reputation for consistency, quickness, and a strong work ethic — all of which have been on full display during camp practices. His route running has been crisp, his hands have been dependable, and perhaps most importantly, his familiarity with Brown’s coaching style has allowed him to adjust rapidly to Notre Dame’s system and immediately stand out among a deep receiver group looking for leadership and production.

In 2023, Pauling posted 74 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns for Wisconsin. Those numbers not only led the Badgers in all three categories, but they also showcased a player who could thrive even in an offense that often struggled to find its rhythm through the air. What made Pauling’s season even more impressive was his versatility — lining up both outside and in the slot, making contested catches, picking up tough yards after contact, and displaying a keen awareness for soft spots in opposing defenses. The numbers don’t lie, but it was his ability to impact games in key moments — whether it was a third-down conversion, a deep shot down the sideline, or a red-zone route — that really made coaches take notice. It’s clear that Notre Dame saw in Pauling not just a transfer addition, but a potential game-changer with a high ceiling.

Fall camp has only reinforced that belief. Nearly every report out of Notre Dame’s practices mentions Pauling in glowing terms. His chemistry with the quarterbacks — especially with presumed starter Riley Leonard — has been excellent. The two have connected repeatedly during 7-on-7 and full-team drills, with Pauling emerging as a security blanket and explosive option rolled into one. Whether he’s working underneath in the short passing game or stretching the field with deeper routes, he’s consistently found ways to get open and make plays. Coaches and teammates alike have praised his energy and leadership, and even though this is his first fall camp in South Bend, Pauling has already taken on the role of a seasoned veteran. He’s vocal during positional drills, leads by example during conditioning work, and shows a professionalism that sets a tone for the younger receivers.

There’s also a strategic advantage to Pauling’s rapid development. Notre Dame has long searched for a consistent and dynamic threat in the slot — someone who can manipulate defenders in space, run clean option routes, and turn short passes into big gains. Pauling fits that mold perfectly. His time at Wisconsin gave him a crash course in executing within complex route structures, and under Mike Brown’s tutelage, he mastered the nuances of leverage, timing, and improvisation. Bringing that skill set to an Irish offense that plans to be more balanced and creative this fall gives the staff much-needed flexibility. With Pauling in the lineup, Notre Dame can vary their formations, disguise intentions, and keep defenses honest. He’s a mismatch against slower linebackers and an escape valve when plays break down. In many ways, he could be the linchpin that unlocks a more modern, effective passing game for Notre Dame in 2025.

Another dimension to Pauling’s value is his familiarity with Mike Brown, who is entering his first season as Notre Dame’s receivers coach after a successful stint at Wisconsin. The duo’s prior relationship has clearly accelerated Pauling’s acclimation process. He knows the expectations, terminology, and practice habits Brown demands — and he sets the tone accordingly. Brown, for his part, has made no secret of how highly he thinks of Pauling, describing him in past interviews as one of the most coachable and disciplined players he’s worked with. Their synergy brings a level of continuity that can often be rare in the modern transfer portal era, and it’s evident in how seamlessly Pauling has slotted into the offensive scheme. Having a player like Pauling who can serve as a translator of sorts for Brown’s methods is invaluable, particularly when building cohesion in a group that includes a mix of veterans, transfers, and young talent.

Off the field, Pauling has also made his mark. By all accounts, he’s been a model teammate — approachable, hardworking, and hungry to contribute. He’s participated in community events, mentored underclassmen, and shown an eagerness to embrace the full Notre Dame experience. For a program that prides itself not just on athletic excellence but also on character and leadership, Pauling seems to embody everything head coach Marcus Freeman is trying to build. That alignment of values between player and program can be the difference between a successful transition and a disappointing one, and in Pauling’s case, it’s clear he’s found a home where he can thrive on multiple levels.

Looking ahead to the season, the expectations around Pauling will only continue to rise. His consistency in camp is likely to earn him a starting spot, and with the kind of attention defenses will have to pay to Notre Dame’s talented backfield and tight end group, Pauling could find himself in advantageous matchups early and often. He has the experience, the production, and now the platform to prove he can be one of the premier wide receivers in the country. The Irish will need that kind of impact if they hope to navigate a challenging schedule that includes high-profile clashes with teams like Texas A\&M, USC, and Florida State. In tight games, in hostile environments, and under national scrutiny, Pauling’s reliability could become one of Notre Dame’s most important assets.

It’s not just media hype either — those who’ve observed camp closely say Pauling’s presence has elevated the entire receiving corps. His daily example has raised the intensity level in position drills, improved the precision of group work, and fostered a culture of accountability. Younger receivers see how he prepares, how he studies, how he works after practice, and they follow suit. In a room where every rep counts and roles are still being solidified, having someone like Pauling set that example is worth its weight in gold. That kind of influence isn’t always measurable in stats, but it often shows up in wins.

The transformation of Notre Dame’s offense this fall will be one of the key storylines of their 2025 campaign. After years of relying on a run-first identity, Freeman and his staff have signaled their intention to diversify and modernize the playbook. That means tempo, spacing, creativity — and most importantly, execution. It’s one thing to install new schemes and formations on paper; it’s another thing entirely to have the right players to bring them to life. In Will Pauling, the Irish have found not just a player capable of executing the vision, but someone who enhances it. His ability to separate quickly, make defenders miss, and operate with poise under pressure will be central to Notre Dame’s offensive evolution.

Ultimately, Pauling’s journey from Wisconsin to South Bend speaks to the power of relationships, development, and vision. He didn’t leave Madison looking for a fresh start out of frustration or failure — he left as one of the conference’s best receivers, with a chance to follow a trusted coach and take his game to the next level. That decision is already bearing fruit. Pauling has made himself indispensable in fall camp, and if his trajectory continues, he could be in for a career-defining season in 2025. For Notre Dame fans, the excitement around Pauling isn’t just based on highlight-reel plays or gaudy stat lines — it’s rooted in what he represents: a player who has done things the right way, who has earned his success, and who is now poised to shine on one of college football’s biggest stages.

As the regular season approaches, the spotlight will only grow brighter. National analysts will take note, defenses will begin game-planning for him, and the pressure to perform will increase. But if fall camp is any indication, Will Pauling is not just ready for the challenge — he’s embracing it. His hands, his routes, his attitude — everything points to a player who is locked in and eager to make an impact. And as Notre Dame chases playoff contention this season, it might just be Pauling’s presence that gives the Irish the offensive edge they’ve been searching for.