Former Notre Dame WR Beaux Collins gushes about the young Irish pass catchers and tells the fans the names to know
When you talk about the current state of the Notre Dame football program, and things that still need to get better, a big conversation centers around the potency of the passing game. People are going to hyperfocus on the quarterbacks, but the wide receivers also need to get a ton better. That position group needs to get better.
There is, however, a lot of talent in that room that can be developed. Mike Brown will be under the microscope this season, and getting the most out of that room is paramount. That talent was backed up by former Irish wideout Beaux Collins at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, who spoke glowingly about some of the young talent on the roster.
“Micah Gilbert, for sure,” Collins told the media. “He is a young dude. He is very athletic, twitchy, has long speed, and thinks like that. I am excited to see him. KK Smith, that is my guy, man. I feel like he can take the next step. There was a freshman this year, Logan Saldate, that is my guy. He is a California guy as well. I feel like in the long run he is going to help the team.”
It was tremendous to hear Collins mention Gilbert first, who rarely saw the field as a true freshman. He brings a bigger frame into the boundary that the Irish need more of to go along with Virginia transfer Malachi Fields.
Smith has been a player that people have been hyping up seemingly for a long time now. He brings some speed to the table but is coming off of a season where he made just three receptions. If Smith is able to break out in 2025 that is great, but it’s not something I’m counting on.
Collins also mentioned Saldate, who was a later addition in the 2024 recruiting class. Saldate is viewed as a slot receiver with legitimate upside. It appears he made quite the impression on Collins in just a year of playing together.
Perhaps it’s reading too much into it, but it is somewhat concerning that Collins didn’t mention Cam Williams, who was viewed as a potentially difference maker in that 2024 group. We just haven’t heard his name much outside of his fun short YouTube clips. Let’s hope Williams makes some noise this offseason.