In transfer portal updates, another target for Penn State’s receiving corps has committed elsewhere.
Malachi Fields, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound wide receiver from Charlottesville, Virginia, announced his decision to join Notre Dame after four seasons at UVA.
This development is a setback for Penn State.
Fields transformed from a little-known recruit—initially rated two stars by Rivals.com—into one of the top receivers in the ACC. He recorded 811 yards in 2023 and built on that with 808 yards and five touchdowns on 55 receptions this past season. His decision is particularly disappointing for Penn State, given his previous relationship with PSU’s receivers coach, Marques Hagans.
THE HAGANS CONNECTION
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now: Marques Hagans
Fields shares a strong connection with Penn State’s receivers coach, who used to coach him at UVA.
As a true freshman, Fields appeared in 11 of the 12 games for UVA, making 11 receptions for 172 yards. He struggled with injuries the following season, limiting him to just one game and allowing him another year of eligibility. After the 2022 season, Hagans transitioned to Penn State, while Fields remained in Charlottesville.
The next year, Fields, now an experienced player, had a standout season, accumulating 811 yards and five touchdowns on 58 catches.
Hagans expressed his delight over Fields’ low recruitment ranking, as it meant less competition for UVA.
“I’m glad they ranked him that, and I’m glad everybody passed on him,” Hagans said to UVA’s website, “because we’re very lucky to have him.”
For a moment, it seemed possible that Hagans could reunite with Fields at Penn State, acquiring a significant addition from the transfer portal. However, that outcome did not materialize.
