Notre Dame wide receiver rotation under scrutiny as Irish prepare for Navy

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Notre Dame has no shortage of talent at wide receiver, but after relying almost exclusively on three starters against BYU, the Irish coaching staff is taking a closer look at how playing time is distributed.

Wide receivers coach Mike Brown acknowledged Tuesday that he needs to do a better job managing the rotation, admitting it cannot be as “lopsided” as it was in Provo.

Against BYU, Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse played 79 snaps apiece, while Micah Gilbert played 78. Mylan Graham saw just two snaps, meaning only four wide receivers took the field during Notre Dame’s 81 offensive plays.

Head coach Marcus Freeman said the veteran receivers have earned the coaching staff’s trust, but he wants to see more players involved as the Irish prepare to face Navy. But despite the offensive struggles against BYU, Brown pushed back on the idea that Notre Dame underestimated its opponent.

“I don’t think we overlooked them at all, man. I thought we had a really good week of preparation,” Brown said.

Brown acknowledged the Irish missed opportunities to make plays in critical moments, something the coaching staff has spent the past week evaluating.

While the limited rotation has raised questions about depth, Greathouse continues to prove why he is one of the team’s most trusted offensive weapons.

The junior wide receiver delivered one of his strongest performances of the season against BYU, recording eight receptions for 125 yards while playing nearly every offensive snap. But as Greathouse takes on more responsibility within Notre Dame’s offense, he is also adjusting to an entirely different role away from football: becoming a father at 21 years old.

“It’s a lot, but every day she’s a blessing,” Greathouse said. “Just doing what I can to be there for her and being the best dad that I can be and doing everything that I can on the field and flipping that switch when I go home.”

For Greathouse, balancing football and fatherhood is becoming part of his daily routine. For Notre Dame’s coaching staff, the challenge is finding a better balance on the field.