94 days until Notre Dame football: The reality for wide receiver Jaden Greathouse
As the countdown to the 2025 Notre Dame football season reaches 94 days, all eyes are on junior wide receiver Jaden Greathouse. Emerging as a pivotal figure in the Fighting Irish’s offense, Greathouse is poised to elevate his game and solidify his status as a top-tier collegiate receiver.
Jaden Greathouse arrived at Notre Dame as a highly touted four-star recruit from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. In his freshman year (2023), he made an immediate impact, recording 18 receptions for 265 yards and five touchdowns. Despite battling a hamstring injury that limited his performance, Greathouse showcased his potential with a standout debut against Navy, where he notched three catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
The 2024 season marked a significant leap for Greathouse. He led the Fighting Irish with 592 receiving yards on 42 catches, averaging 14.1 yards per reception and scoring four touchdowns. His reliability was evident, with a catch rate of 79.2% and only one drop throughout the season.
Greathouse’s performance peaked during the postseason. In the Orange Bowl against Penn State, he recorded seven receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown, including a pivotal 54-yard catch. He followed this with a stellar showing in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Ohio State, amassing six catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns.
Entering his junior year, Greathouse is expected to be a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s receiving corps. With the departure of quarterback Riley Leonard to the NFL, the offense will see new leadership under CJ Carr or Kenny Minchey. Greathouse’s experience and chemistry with the quarterbacks will be crucial in this transition.
The addition of transfer receivers Malachi Fields and Will Pauling enhances the depth and talent of the receiving unit. Fields brings a wealth of experience, leading all returning Power Four pass catchers in receiving yards since 2023, while Pauling adds physicality and contested catch ability.
While Greathouse has demonstrated resilience, injuries have been a recurring challenge. A shoulder issue in late 2024 and limited availability during spring practices in 2025 have raised concerns. However, these setbacks have also provided opportunities for younger players to gain experience, potentially easing the pressure on Greathouse and allowing for a more balanced offensive approach.
Jaden Greathouse stands at the cusp of a defining season. His combination of size, skill, and experience positions him as a leader and playmaker for Notre Dame’s offense. If he can maintain his health and build on his past performances, Greathouse has the potential to not only elevate the Fighting Irish’s passing game but also enhance his prospects for the NFL Draft.
