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Former Badger star named Notre Dame captain: "Blessed to lead this team"

ByMark Knight|
Notre Dame wide receiver Will Pauling warms up during a football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in South Bend.
Notre Dame wide receiver Will Pauling warms up during a football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One of the biggest transfer losses of the offseason for the Wisconsin Badgers was Will Pauling. Now, he's a captain at Notre Dame and considered one of the most important culture pieces on the roster.

Pauling was a leader in the wide receivers room for Wisconsin and a veteran presence on the team. The Badgers have added a ton of talent to positions, and young players like Eugene Hilton Jr. are showing they can step into the hole. However, it's important to note that Pauling seems to be thriving for the Irish.

Ex-Badger Will Pauling is now a captain for the Fighting Irish

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Pauling's work ethic and drive to compete have impressed his new Irish coaches. Marcus Freeman pegs him early as a culture leader and "a dog" that others should be following. Therefore, it's no surprise to see this development turn into a captain role. Yet, it's hard not to miss him even in that veteran presence way.

Pauling posted on social media after being named a captain, "All Glory to God! Blessed and honored to lead this team and represent this university! Go Irish."

Pauling projects to be one of their prominent pieces on the field, not just in the locker room. Coach Freeman has indicated that he could return punts and kickoffs, but also will most likely slide into that No. 2 or 3 receiver spot for the Irish. If he's not a starter, he will find plenty of reps at receiver.

Last season at Wisconsin, Pauling had 42 receptions for 407 yards and three touchdowns. He wasn't by any stretch a star, but that had more to do with a struggling team and poor quarterback play than anything Pauling was up to. The leading receiver, Vinny Anthony II, for the Badgers last season only had 39 receptions for 672 yards and four touchdowns.

Pauling's three touchdowns were the second most receiving touchdowns on the season behind only the aforementioned Anthony. So in an offense that might highlight his skills more this season, he could be a really strong addition both on and off the field for the Irish.

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