It was a season filled with promise for Notre Dame football, but it ultimately ended in disappointment with a 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the national championship game. The Fighting Irish came out strong on their opening drive but struggled for much of the next two and a half quarters. Despite a late rally, they fell short in the end, leaving fans heartbroken after what had seemed like a team destined for greatness.
However, amidst the setback, there was one standout performance: sophomore wide receiver Jaden Greathouse. The Texas native played a pivotal role in the Irish’s comeback effort, finishing with five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Both of his scores were highlight-worthy, with one coming from a dynamic play after the catch and the other from a contested catch that brought Notre Dame within one score of Ohio State.
Greathouse had already made a name for himself earlier in the postseason. In the semifinal against Penn State, he tallied seven receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his potential as a top-tier wide receiver. Those two games marked his only 100-yard performances of the season, making him one of the few bright spots in a position group that had been frustratingly inconsistent throughout the year.
The wide receiver corps, plagued by dropped passes and a lack of big plays, had often struggled to make an impact. With a change at quarterback expected in 2025—whether it’s Steve Angeli, CJ Carr, or Kenny Minchey under center—there’s reason to believe Greathouse could emerge as a reliable target. His performance in the national championship game did not go unnoticed, and his connection with whoever is behind center next season could be a key factor in Notre Dame’s offensive success.
While there are no moral victories in a loss of this magnitude, Greathouse’s rise as a go-to pass catcher offers hope for the future. He is poised to be a key part of the Irish’s passing attack as they look to take a step forward in 2025.
