Former Notre Dame football wide receiver Will Pauling is officially an NFL rookie after multiple reports, including the NFL Network, had him signing with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here’s what Pauling brings to the 49ers, based on his career with the Irish and previously at Wisconsin and Cincinnati.
What Will Pauling brings to the 49ers
A three-school transfer addition with previous stops at Cincinnati and Wisconsin, Will Pauling was voted a team captain in 2025. Showing a knack for separation against both man and zone defenses, he stepped in for the injured Jaden Greathouse and became a trusted weapon as a slot receiver for first-year starting quarterback CJ Carr. He also contributed 25 snaps on special teams, primarily as a gunner on the punt coverage team.
Will Pauling’s highlights at Notre Dame football
After being held without a catch in the season-opening loss at Miami, Pauling made at least one grab in the final 11 games of his college career. Six of those games saw him reach the end zone, and he peaked with 105 receiving yards (on just four catches) in a midseason win over N.C. State.
Will Pauling’s statistics at Notre Dame football
Officially measured at 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, Pauling ran an eye-opening 4.37 40 at Notre Dame’s Pro Day and posted a 42-inch vertical. He averaged 14.7 yards on his 26 receptions (381 receiving yards) and led the Irish in touchdown receptions with six.
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: San Francisco 49ers sign Notre Dame football free agent Will Pauling
Reporting by Mike Berardino, South Bend Tribune / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
