In the ever-competitive landscape of Notre Dame football, young wideout Micah Gilbert is looking to carve out his own niche. With a depth chart brimming with talent, including standout Malachi Fields, Gilbert's journey has been anything but straightforward. Yet, 2026 might just be his year to shine, thanks in large part to the lessons he's absorbed from his teammates.
Fields, a key player for the Irish, has set a high bar with his aggressive approach to catching the ball. Gilbert, eager to elevate his game, has taken note.
"Watching Malachi, he attacked the ball really well," Gilbert shared during a media session after a Notre Dame practice. "He was a really good deep threat.
Seeing how he went up and got the ball translated well, and I’ve been able to take notes from that."
For Gilbert, the challenge lies in distinguishing himself among a roster full of skilled receivers. Last season, his contributions were limited to 9 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown, partly due to injuries in both the spring and fall of 2025.
However, when healthy, he showcased his potential. Gilbert's first career reception and touchdown came during the season opener against Miami, and he recorded a career-long 26-yard reception in a thrilling victory over Purdue.
As spring practices continue, Gilbert's focus is on proving his worth and securing more playing time. His performance now could lay the groundwork for the upcoming fall, where competition will only intensify. With the right moves, Gilbert is poised to make a significant impact in the Irish lineup.