(Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)
From Two-Star Recruit to Potential WR1 in South Bend
Notre Dame has made several big additions through the transfer portal in recent years, but one name that hasn’t received enough attention is Malachi Fields, a graduate transfer wide receiver from Virginia. Fields, will arrive in South Bend in June and may not have had the highest recruiting profile out of high school. He was only a two-star and played primarily quarterback—but his growth and production at the collegiate level speak volumes.
Now, entering his final year of college football and his first with the Irish, Fields looks poised to make a massive impact in South Bend.
The Journey: From Injury Setbacks to ACC Standout
Fields committed to Notre Dame on December 23, 2024, after four seasons at Virginia. Listed at 6’4″ and 220 pounds, Fields brings an imposing physical presence to Notre Dame’s receiver room—ideal for high-pointing the football, winning contested catches, and making an impact in the red zone.
As a freshman, he showed promise with 11 receptions for 172 yards. But his sophomore season was derailed by a broken metatarsal in his left foot, limiting him to just one game. Still, in that appearance, he recorded five catches for 58 yards and a touchdown—a glimpse of the potential that was soon to be realized.
His breakout came in his junior year, when he posted 58 receptions for 811 yards and five touchdowns, finishing eighth in the ACC in receiving yards in 2023. He followed that performance with a nearly identical senior campaign—55 receptions for 808 yards and another five touchdowns—proving his consistency and ability to produce against top competition.
Notre Dame fans might already be familiar with Fields without realizing it—he played at Notre Dame Stadium last season during Senior Day and led his team in receiving with four catches for 81 yards.
Analysts Are Taking Notice
While Fields didn’t receive much national buzz out of high school, his recent performances are turning heads. BVMSports ranked him No. 6 among wide receivers heading into the 2025 season, while Pro Football Focus (PFF) placed him just outside the top 10 at No. 11 in their honorable mentions.
His mix of size, production, and toughness gives Notre Dame a weapon who can step in immediately and contribute—especially in a wide receiver group looking for a consistent outside threat.
A Better Version of Beaux Collins?
If you’re looking for a comparison to a recent Notre Dame receiver, Malachi Fields could become what Irish fans hoped Beaux Collins would be. Fields offers a similar skill set but has shown more durability and week-to-week consistency over the last two seasons. He’s a true outside receiver with great hands, sharp route-running, and the strength to make contested catches against top-tier corners.
Leadership Beyond the Numbers
What makes Fields especially valuable isn’t just what he brings statistically—it’s his experience and leadership. With Notre Dame WR coach Mike Brown placing a premium on maturity and accountability in the receiver room, Fields, as a fifth-year player, is expected to be a vocal leader both on and off the field.
He has played a lot of football and overcome adversity, including a serious injury early in his career. That toughness and growth mindset could make him one of the most trusted figures in the locker room.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the two-star rating or somewhat quiet transfer fool you—Malachi Fields has the tools to become Notre Dame’s top wide receiver this season. He’s battle-tested, physically gifted at 6’4″, 220 pounds, and entering the peak of his college football career.
With a dynamic Notre Dame offense and a receiver room full of young talent, Fields could emerge as both the go-to guy and the leader this group needs.