Will Pauling

William Pauling (born March 4, 2003) is an American professional football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats, Wisconsin Badgers, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Early life Pauling was born in Chicago where he attended high school at Homewood-Flossmoor. Pauling had a breakout junior season where he hauled in 50 receptions for 951 yards and 11 touchdowns. Pauling decided to commit to play college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats.

College career Cincinnati In Pauling's first season in 2021 he hauled in just one reception for six yards versus SMU. In the 2022 season, Pauling brought in 12 receptions for 122 yards. After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Pauling entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Wisconsin Pauling transferred to play for the Wisconsin Badgers, and his former head coach Luke Fickell. In week six of the 2023 season, Pauling hauled in eight receptions for 68 yards in a win over Rutgers. Two weeks later, he recorded his first career touchdown reception as he helped the Badgers comeback and defeat Illinois. In the Badgers bowl game, he had a career performance recording eight receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Pauling finished the 2023 season with 74 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for 11 yards and completing one pass for 19 yards. In 2024, during a week three loss against Alabama, Pauling completed nine receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown. He finished the season with 42 receptions for 407 yards and three touchdowns, as well as one carry for four yards.

Notre Dame On December 24, 2024, Pauling transferred to Notre Dame. On August 18, 2025, Pauling was named a team captain. In week 7, he caught four receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown in a win over North Carolina State. In a week 10 victory against Boston College, he caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from CJ Carr in the second quarter. After twelve appearances and six starts, Pauling finished the 2025 season with 26 receptions for 381 yards and six touchdowns.

Statistics Year Team GP Receiving Rec Yds Avg TD 2021 Cincinnati 4 1 6 6.0 0 2022 Cincinnati 9 12 122 10.2 0 2023 Wisconsin 13 74 837 11.3 6 2024 Wisconsin 10 42 407 9.7 3 2025 Notre Dame 12 26 381 14.7 6Career 48 155 1,753 11.3 15

Professional career

Pauling signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2026. He was waived by the 49ers on August 30, but signed with their practice squad the next day.